Cricket Chirper - Laughing Locust
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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. You could create these while teaching Moses and the plagues and call them laughing locusts or some other fun name.
Super easy craft!
2 small dowel rods per child (measure you bead opening before purchasing). You can purchase these in packages of approximately 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 known 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 still be purchased, and the price is much more cost-efficient than 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 Serpent/Snake Craft/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 (see post below this one).
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.
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For an easier snake craft, scroll down to the post below.
Children's Ministry on a Budget
Children's Ministry on a Budget!
Working in children's ministry requires a lot of STUFF!!! Between events, crafts, object lessons, etc., a lot of STUFF circulates through your ministry. But the problem for many children's ministry leaders is that they are working with a very limited budget, if any.
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How do you combat a minimal or non-existent budget? You get creative!
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First, you get organized! Put all like items together. One of the biggest wastes in children’s ministry is purchasing an item you already have…but can’t find! Always shop this area FIRST before purchasing new items.
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Go through ALL the closets in your church. Know what is available to you! Make a list of what you find and who it belongs to. Ask permission before removing any item from its location.
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Ask! Ask! Ask! Make your needs known…someone in your church family has what you are looking for…they are just waiting to find a new home for it…or they are willing to loan it to you!
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Shop after holiday sales. Many stores mark their after-holiday sales down to almost nothing. When you see a good sale, grab it! You WILL find a use for it.
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Check thrift stores or yard sales for props or interesting items to reuse or repurpose.
At Christmas or Back to School time (when supplies go on sale), set up a drop box and request items that you need for the children’s ministry. Glue, markers, Kleenex…it is all on sale during “Back to School” time.
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If you get the question “could you use this?” always say “YES” (within reason). I have accepted items many times and am ALWAYS amazed at how “God provided…even before I knew I had a need.”
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Purchase items while in season. For instance, if you know you will need bubbles for a fall festival, purchase them during the summer. They are much cheaper and nonexistent in stores once summer is over.
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Pass out a “Gifts and Talents” survey to your church family. (A great time to reach your adults in before their Adult Bible Study class begins. Talk with the adult Bible Study teacher and ask them to pass out the forms to each of their adults.) Find out what strengths and talents those in your congregation possess. If someone is good at sewing…hit them up when you have a sewing need. If you need something built…ask the carpenters in your church to build it for you. etc. This is a great way to get the adults involved with your children’s ministry.
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Note: If you host a Mid-Week Adventures during the summer, this survey will be a great tool. For several years, I had a different adult come in each Wednesday night (summer) to teach the children a different craft/talent. The children love it…and the adults did too.
The greatest element of a great kid’s ministry is great volunteers that invest in the lives of kids!
Big programs, buildings, and expensive stuff cannot replace relationships!
Think outside the box. Use everyday objects to help make props, games, decorations.
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During VBS ask for any themed “sit in place” decorations that your congregation may already have. Some of my favorite VBS themes…western, farm, and beach themes were all done with few handmade decorations. Many of the items were borrowed and were simply set in place. I sat arrangements around the different areas such as a couple bales of hay with a saddle and cowboy hat, several crates stacked oddly and filled with plastic veggies, wooden pallets with rope and a huge fishing bobber made from an inflatable ball. etc. They turned out amazing! And the cost was minimal. When VBS was over, everyone picked up their items and clean up was a breeze!
Recycle:
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Get creative...if you have an item that you purchase every week...and it comes in a cute bottle/jar/container...think of something useful that you can make instead of tossing it into recycling. If there is a specific bottle/jar/container that you need more of, ask your congregation to save them for you.
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Take “near empty” bottles of paints and mix them together to create new colors. Make sure the colors will work well together before mixing.
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Pour several bottles of “near empty” glue together to create new bottles of glue.
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"IF" you have a recycling center near you, visit it often! We have an amazing recycling center and can request items that we are looking for. For instance, I have used the yoplait jars to create lanterns and the Starbucks Frappuccino bottles that resemble the old milk bottles for our Bookies and Milk (Book drive) party.
Your Baptism Bag
This Baptism bag is to help the children understand how important their baptism is.
Give the child being baptized a white bag with the following items inside the bag.
You can add to (personal letter, etc.) or take away any item you choose.
Attach these sayings to each item...or place a sheet with the information inside the bag.
The WHITE BAG is to remind you of how PURE AND CLEAN you are now that you
have been baptized.
The WASHCLOTH is to remind you that you have been washed free of all your sins.
The warm BLANKET is to remind you that the Holy Spirit will comfort you and
give you strength when you choose the right way and have to stand alone.
The Holy Spirit will be a shelter in times of dark and stormy weather.
The BOTTLE OF WATER will remind you that you were baptized by IMMERSION, just like
Jesus was. After your baptism, you received a special GIFT,
the gift of the HOLY SPIRIT.
The pack of gum will remind you to ALWAYS “Chews” (choose) what is right even
if your friends may “Chews” (choose) not to STICK beside you.
The LIP BALM is to help you remember that the Holy Spirit will SPEAK to
you in a still small voice.
The SOAP is to remind you that you must have clean thoughts and actions to
feel the Holy Spirit.
The EARBUDS will help remind you to always LISTEN to the Holy Spirit so
you will always choose what’s right.
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The RULER is to remind you that the Holy Spirit is a TEACHER. The Holy Spirit will
help you understand and know the truth as you study the scriptures and learn.
The CANDLE is to remind you that the Holy Spirit will LIGHT YOUR WAY and
help you walk along righteous paths.
The SNICKERS BAR will remind you that sometimes, your friends, classmates,
or peers will snicker at your righteous choices. It is a reminder NOT to listen
to the “Snickers” and listen to what you feel is right.
The LIFE SAVERS will remind you to share the gospel. You may be the only person
who shares the gospel with them. Be a life saver…share Jesus with others.
The HEART Sticker will remind you just how much Jesus loves you.
He wants you to show your LOVE for Him by obeying the commandments.
Always stay close to Him!
Can't Hide From God - Jonah - Birdseed Hide and Seek Craft
Make these AWESOME birdseed "Can't Hide From God" when teaching on Jonah.
Have the children select 20 trinkets...beads. marbles, etc. to place inside their bottle. Add a little bird seed and drop in a trinket, add a little more and continue to drop in trinkets. Leave 2-3 inches of space between the birdseed and the lid. Glue the lid on the jar and tighten well. Attach a copy of the Jonah poem with a piece of string.
Shake the jar well...then turn it over and over until all the trinkets are hidden. Then, you're ready to play. Have the children turn their bottles over and over and over until they have found all 20 trinkets.
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Here is the poem that I wrote...you are free to change it however you choose!
Jonah went out one day, over the hill and far away.
God said to Jonah “To Nineveh, GO” But Jonah thought “No, No, No”!
Soon Jonah began to run…He said to himself, “This can’t be fun!”
He knew that he could not win…so he found a boat and he jumped right in.
He sailed far…and he sailed wide But from God, we cannot hide.
Then the winds began to blow…And deep in the boat, Jonah did go.
The men thought that they would die. “Toss me in, said Jonah, “it’s worth a try.
So down, down, down Jonah went. Swallowed by a fish…that God had sent.
Three long days he sat and prayed. Inside the belly of a fish God made.
It was dark…and it was smelly Deep inside the fishes belly.
“God, forgive me,” Jonah did cry. “For if you don’t, I'll surely die”.
So, Jonah was spit onto dry land…and there he sat in cold, wet sand!
Then Jonah thought “To Nineveh, I’ll go” Never again…will I tell God NO!
We can run but we cannot hide…For God is always by our side.
There are 20 items hidden inside this bottle! Can you see them? Where can they be?
Can you find all 20 items?
Tie the bottles with a red cord for the "Spies" bottle and a piece of netting wrapped over the shipwreck or Jonah bottles adds an extra pop to the bottles plus instills the lesson at a glance.
Scroll
Looking for a fun craft for "Jesus Preaches in the Temple...or other fun Bible lesson? Create these fun scrolls with you children.
Gather some canvas fabric, old coffee or strong tea, dowel rods and a glue gun and you're ready to go!
Purchase plain canvas by the yard (it's cheaper) depending on the number of children you have.
Spread your fabric on the ground or sidewalk and sprinkle hot coffee or hot tea onto the canvas. (Leave some areas untouched). Allow to dry completely.
Cutting Fabric: I cut my fabric into 26" X 13 1/2 " strips and I used 17 1/2" dowel rods. However, you can choose any size that works best for you and your children. Adjust the length of your dowel rod accordingly to the size of fabric you are using making sure the dowel rod is 4" longer than your fabric.
Lay one dowel rod on each side (shorter side) making sure that it extends 2" above and 2" below the fabric.
Run glue along both ends of the canvas and place a dowel rod on top of the glue. Be liberal with the glue.
Roll each dowel rod slightly towards the center. Just enough to hide the dowel rod. Run another strip of glue down the entire length of the fabric and roll the dowel rod slightly towards the center again. Hold until the glue dries. When finished, you should not be able to see the dowel rod at all.
Allow the hot glue to cool completely.
Now start to roll both sides towards the center. The two dowel rods should meet in the middle, hold both sides firmly and wrap and ribbon around the scroll.
Tie in a bow and allow to dry. (Raffia or jute works well or some type of a
ribbon with old looking beads at the ends would work well also.)
Give each child a marker and a Hebrew writing sheet.
Allow them to create their own scroll.
Have them write the translation at the bottom in English (small).
Rewind the scroll and tie.
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Have the children write the translation at the bottom in English (small)
Beaded Bubble Wands
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The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; The fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook. Prov 18:4
A GREAT Bible lesson for your Bubble Night would be a lesson on wise King Solomon
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Start your bubble wand by gathering sturdy wire and colorful wooden beads.
Make sure the holes in the beads are big enough for two wires to run through them.
Fold the wire in half. Don’t crease it, Just measure an approximate halfway mark.
On the folded end, form a 2" inch in diameter circle. When you are happy with your circle, twist
the wire once or twice to hold its shape.
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Run both wires through each bead. Leave room at the end to form another circle (large enough to prevent the
beads from falling off) and secure by twisting the wire. Make sure to fold any sharp edges under or run the end of the wire
back through the last bead.
Want to pass out a fun gift on bubble night? Make a bubble wand for each child. Attach the wand to a bottle of bubbles.
run a piece of helm ribbon around the rubbles and tie into a know. Run the end of the ribbon through a copy of the scripture
and tie it into a bow.
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Looking for more bubble fun? Check out my Super Duper Bubbles Night.
Drinking Straw Serpent/Snake Craft/Pull Toy
Serpent / Snake
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Teaching on Adam and Eve, The Garden of Eden, Moses, Satan, etc?
Grab the childrens attention by creating these simple drinking straw snakes.
This craft is perfect for pre-schoolers or older children as well.
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Just gather some colorful plastic straws, yarn, googly eyes, fun foam, a hole punch, and some blunt tipped needles and you are ready to go!
1. Trace out the snake head onto fun foam. You can either do this in advance or allow the children to do this step.
2. Punch a hole in both ends of the head. (see picture above)
3. Cut approximately 3" lengths of plastic straws (various colors)
4. Cut a long piece of yarn. Tie (knot) one end of the yarn through the hole at the top of the head.
5. Run the other end of the yarn through the eye of a blunt tipped needle. It is ok to tie a small knot in the yarn to keep the needle attached.
6. Have the children run the needle through the bits of colorful straw until they fill their piece of yarn.
7. Once they have reached the end of the yarn, run the needle back through the last straw two or three times (whip stitch) and tie a knot to keep the straws in place.
8. Cut the needle off of the yarn.
9. Tie a second piece of yarn (long) through the second hole (mouth). This will be the string to pull the toy along the ground so make sure it is long enough to pull. 3' is normally long enough for a small child.
10. Allow the children to glue the tongue and googly eyes onto their snakes.
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That's it!
If you would like another snake/serpent craft, scroll to the craft above this one!
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Salvation Bracelet - Adjustable
For this bracelet, you will need:
Pony beads - Red, black, white, blue, green,
yellow, and clear.
A strip of leather or soft, durable string.
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String all the beads...except for the clear bead.
Center the beads on the string and tie a
knot on each side to secure the beads in the center.
Run one end of the leather through the clear bead.
Going the opposite direction, run the second end of the leather through the clear bead.
Tie a knot at both ends. This will allow you to make
the bracelet larger or smaller.
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The black bead represents Sin. We are all sinners.
The red bead represents Jesus’s blood, shed on
the cross for each of us. Jesus died for each of us.
The white bead represents the forgiveness of our sins.
Our sins are forgiven when we admit we are a sinner,
ask Jesus to forgive our sins, and accept Him as our
Lord and Savior. When we do that, our sins are
washed away.
The blue bead represents Baptism - Where we publicly acknowledge...in front of everyone that Jesus
is our Lord and Savior. We put away all of our old sinful
ways and choose a new life...a life of living with and for Jesus.
The green bead represents Growth.
When we live a life for Jesus, we will continually
grow in God’s Word and God’s Ways.
The yellow bead represents Heaven - When we
accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, our sins are
washed away. Nothing is separating us from God.
So when we die...we will go to Heaven, where the
streets are made of gold...and we will live with Jesus for
all of eternity.
We don’t know a lot about Heaven but we do know that it is a place without sin. There is no sadness in heaven.
In Revelation 21:21, we read this:
The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.
This is represented by our clear bead.
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Handprint Art
11 fun and creative art projects...Fun for all ages!
Remember and Honor (Memorial Day)
Looking for a memorable way to honor those who fought and gave the ultimate sacrifice or those who served our nation with honor?
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​It's easy
1. Purchase several packages of plastic army men
2. Purchase cans of Red, White, and Blue Spray Paint (OPTIONAL). You do not have to paint your army men if you choose not to.
3. Divide your army men into three groups
4. Paint one group red, one group white, and one group blue. Let dry completely, turn over, and paint the backs. Let dry!
5. During the "time of remembrance at your church, allow the children to pass out one army man to each person.
6. Instruct members to carry their soldier in their pocket or place them in an area or prominence...where they will notice them often.
7. Encourage your members to pause and pray for the families of the fallen...or those currently serving our great nation.
Alternative: Place the army men in a basket with a sign attached. Instruct your members to take a soldier, place it in their pocket or place of prominence...and pray for the families of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation.
Place the basket in an area where members will notice and pick up an army man on their way out of the worship center.
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!
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
The Widow Kneads Some Bread - Elijah
Trusting in God -
Everything you need to teach the lesson of "The Widow who helped Elijah"...Object Lesson, 2 Crafts, a lesson, plus a coloring page!
Note: You can use store-bought playdough instead of making your own.
Frog Whistles
Super Simple Craft - Frog Whistles
Trace and 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!
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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!
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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.
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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.
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Drop several clear, colorful beads into the tube.
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Drop the triangle into your tube.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Now, simply decorate your tubes with shiny paper, stickers, ribbons, etc.​​​​​
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Daniel in the Lion's Den Craft
4 Simple ways to finish off your craft!
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This simple craft is great for pre-schoolers or younger children however, older children LOVE it as well.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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!​
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Doctor's Light
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!
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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!
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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.
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Bag Options:
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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.
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A Produce net bag cut into ectangle shapes and sewn down both sides and across the bottom to form a bag.
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Sheer wedding rice bags (remove the drawstring)
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Any other bag or netting you choose.
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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
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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
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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.
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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. (One per child)
Fold the template in half (along the
solid center line) and cut out the caterpillar.
Do not cut along the folded edge.
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Open the caterpillar to see the big change.
Add antenna, dots, bits of colorful paper
or whatever you choose.
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Giant Ice Block
Looking for a "unique"
way to cool off this summer?
Try a GIANT Ice Block!
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Easy to create...You just need a tub, some water, a few plastic
frogs and a freezer.
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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.
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On reveal day, just turn the tub upside down, allow to sit for 10-15 minutes, and dump it out.
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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.
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Each frog that they successfully free...hops home with them!
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(Frogs can be purchased from Oriental Trading. Add anything else that you would like to add.)
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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?
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Create these cute t-shirts with your children to help them
Remember the 3 T's...
Time, Talent, and Tithes.
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All you need is a few white T-shirts, paintbrushes and a
black sharpies... for writing and
fabric paint.
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Creating custom t-shirts will help reinforce the importance
of our
Time, Talent, and Tithes.
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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.
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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
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On a budget? Ask each child to
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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!
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Simply trace out the template, cut it out, paste it together, and add google eyes! (PDF Below)
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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.​
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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.
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Hint: Always have a couple extra lambs in your pocket in case they cannot find all 100 (this is inevitable.)
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Needing an easier lamb craft for the pre-schoolers? Check out this cotton ball lamb craft!
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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)
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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!
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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!
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​​​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.
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When the paint dries, the children will use the black marker to write "Goliath" on the larger rock.
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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.
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Make sure the paint is completely dry before the play begins.
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While the stones are drying, consider creating a fun pouch for the stones.
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​Children can stop at this point and play their game or they can create a pouch for their stones to go into. (Instructions below)
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David and Goliath Game
Instructions:
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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
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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.
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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"
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.
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Traveling Jesus
Traveling Jesus! Take Jesus with you wherever you go! Share Jesus with others!
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It's summertime, and many families will be traveling, going on vacation, going on outings, having picnics, etc.
Reinforce the message that Jesus is with them wherever they go!
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Have a little fun with your children by having them create and take a "Traveling Jesus Puppet" with them wherever they travel this summer. Children will pack their Jesus puppet and take pics with Him wherever they go. Near...or far!
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Traveling Jesus can be pictured with the family, child, or by himself in unique places.
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If you choose, have your families take and text pics to you. Make sure they include their location. Post them on your church social media or save them until the end of summer, then create a special slideshow of all the fun places they traveled this Summer and teach them that Jesus is with them...always.
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Encourage your families to think of fun ways to share Jesus with others while on their travels:
Use your traveling Jesus to open a conversation about Jesus.
Ask "new friends" if you can take their pics with your traveling Jesus. Make sure to ask for their names (first name is fine) and tell them you will be praying for them on their travels.
Create more than one "traveling Jesus" and pass them out...making sure to put contact information on the back so they can share their pics with your church as well.
Ask them to include their name (first name is fine) and where traveling Jesus is in the picture)
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Where will Jesus travel this summer?
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.
Pool Noodle Sabers
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Simple Craft and Game Time!
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Here's a REALLY FUN craft that would be great for any battle in the Bible!
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David and Goliath, Saul and David, Gideon battles the Midianites, or any other battle or conflict.
Just grab a few pool noodles, cut them to your preferred length, supply rolls of brightly colored duct tape for customization, and let the fun begin.
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If you choose, you can wedge a small flashlight or glowstick into the handle area. Do not place it on the tip end, as someone will get hurt.
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My biggest rule is...no hitting in the head, face, or any area that would be inappropriate. Plus, no hard hitting or they receive a timeout after ONE warning only! Repeat offenders have to sit out. I make the rules clear upfront, and they know that I mean what I say...so there are no surprises!
Shine Your Light!
Bubble Wand Light Sabers!
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Grab some bubble wands (empty or full), duct tape (fun colors), and some glow-in-the-dark sticks and create these fun Bubble Wand Light Sabers! Simply decorate your wand with colorful duct tape, crack a couple of glow sticks, and place them inside the wand, and you're ready to go!
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Turn off the lights and let your light shine! This is a good time to sing the old song..."This Little Light of Mine" with the lights off and wands waving in the air.
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Perfect craft for teaching children how to share Christ with others...by simply shining for Christ!​
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Duct Tape Creations
Sticking with Jesus!
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Grab your duct tape and allow the children to get busy creating! Have a few samples of the items they can make but allow them to be creative on the colors, designs, etc.
Make bookmarks by sticking two pieces of duct tape back to back, punching a hole in the top, and attaching a ribbon and beads.
Duct tape bracelets are made by folding a piece of duct tape together (longways), attaching a velcro square on each end (opposite sides of the velcro). Shapes can be added to the bracelet by simply cutting out various pieces/shapes of colorful duct tape to add style and texture.
A wallet can be made by creating a 7″x9″ double-sided sheet of duct tape. To do this, overlap strips of duct tape until you have a 7″ x 9″ sheet. Repeat...making a second sheet. Then stick the sheets back to back with the sticky sides facing each other. Cut off any excess tape. You will end up with a two-sided 7"X9" piece of duct tape.
Fold the sheet horizontally and then put a coordinating colored strip of duct tape along the outer edges. Be sure to leave the top open, because that’s where you put your dollar bills. Your creation should now look like an open wallet. Close the wallet.
You can add a pocket to the front and back of your wallet by using a double-sided piece of duct tape in the color of your choice. The pocket should measure
2.5″ x 4″. Tape around the edges of the pocket (leaving the top open).
Voila you have a wallet!
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Purses can be made by making 2 two-sided sheets of duct tape (as above) and then taping the 2 two-sided sheets together. A strap can also be make by out of duct tape!
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.
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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.
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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.
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Crush the candy canes into small pieces and put them inside your cupcake batter.
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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.
Walk A Little Slower, Daddy - Footprint Scroll
Needing an easy, inexpensive, and memorable Father's Day Craft? Here's a great one!
12 FREE Coloring pages...Simply click, download, print and you are ready to go!
