Grades 1-3
Introductory Activity – Whaddya Know?
Materials: large pieces of paper, markers or pencils, tape
Write each of these questions on a large piece of paper. Leave room under the question for kids to write answers: What is a miracle that Jesus did? What is something that Jesus taught? What do you know about Jesus’ life? How do you know that Jesus is God’s Son? Tape questions on walls around the room. Place markers or pencils with each question.
Tell kids to think about what they know about Jesus, His life, and His ministry. Guide them to move to one question (different kids at each question). Set a timer for 2 minutes and ask kids to write answers to the questions. When the timer sounds, tell them to move to another question; set the timer and answer that question. After two rounds, extend the time to 3 or 4 minutes so they will have time to review answers before they add to them. (Play only 2 rounds if time is limited.) Gather kids back together and review some answers as time permits. Read the Life Point and tell kids that you will learn more about Jesus and His power.
Live It Out
Game – Verse Hoops
Materials: 2 small plastic hoops, 2 dishpans, pool noodle cut into 2-inch-wide circles, tape, marker
In each pool noodle circle, cut a slit from edge to center so the circle will slip onto the plastic hoop. Adhere a length of tape to each pool noodle circle on the side opposite the slit. Write 1-2 words of the Bible verse on the tape of each pool noodle circle. Make two sets of words. Mix each set of words and place in a dishpan. Lay the hoops at one end of the game area and set the dishpans at the opposite end of the area.
Group kids into two teams. Lead teams to stand near the hoops. On your signal, the first player of each team runs to retrieve one word and return to the group. He can slide the word onto the hoop. Then the next player runs to retrieve a word. Lead kids to slide the words in the appropriate places (or rearrange as needed) before the next player runs to get a word. Read the completed verses and talk about the Bible story.
Craft – Word Balloon Magnets
Materials: craft foam or heavyweight paper, scissors, permanent markers, self-adhesive magnets or magnet tape
Invite kids to draw large word balloons (like in comic strips or comic books) onto the craft foam or paper. They can cut out their word balloons. Lead them to write words of the Life Point onto their word balloons. Encourage kids to recall the Bible story. Comment that Jesus healed the official’s son with only His words. As kids finish their word balloons, offer magnets to stick on the back. Suggest kids place their magnets somewhere at home to remind them of Jesus and His power over sickness.
Grades 4-6
Introductory Activity – Write It! Relay
Materials: dry erase board and markers, Bible
Group kids into two teams. On your signal, the first player of each team runs to the board and writes the first word of the Bible verse. Then he runs back to the team and tags the next player. The next player runs to the board and adds the next word, and so forth. If a person doesn’t know the next word, she can look up Matthew 19:26 and find the next word. After teams finish, say the verse together. Tell kids that they will hear about something that Jesus did because He is God’s Son.
Live It Out
Game – Sticky Notes Game
Materials: sticky notes, numbered cube, game pieces (buttons, marker lids)
Group kids into two (or more) teams. Guide teams to take turns arranging sticky notes on a table to create a trail gameboard. Ask Team 1 a review question. If answered correctly, the team rolls the numbered cube; if the roll is 1-5, the team moves along the gameboard. If the team rolls a 6, they move 6 of the self-stick notes to change the path. After the team finishes moving the game piece (or rearranging the path), ask Team 2 a review question to continue the game.
Craft – Life Point Wind Chime
Materials: embroidery floss or thin yarn, jingle bells (various sizes), craft sticks, craft glue, markers, pony beads (optional)
Guide a preteen to cut 5 lengths of floss or yarn. She can tie a bell to the end of each piece of floss. She can add other bells or beads to each length of floss as she chooses. Tell her to write the Life Point on a craft stick. She can lay the craft stick with word-side down and spread glue on the back of the craft stick. Tell her to lay the ends of her floss (the end without the bells) along the craft stick. She can then put glue on the back of another craft stick and lay on top of the first one. The floss should be sandwiched between the two sticks. Cut a longer length of floss and tie each end of the floss to an end of the sandwiched craft sticks to make a hanger. Tell kids to let the glue completely dry before hanging their wind chimes. Talk about the Bible story. Tell kids that when they hear the bells ring, they can remember that Jesus spoke and healed the official’s son. Say that Jesus has power over sickness.
Leave a Reply