Activity Array

Here you'll find an array of activities for elementary children that can be used in Children's Ministry, after-school programs, in the classroom and by homeschoolers.

Joshua leads the Israelites

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Joshua, the son of Nun, was Moses’ young helper (Exodus 24:13). He became Israels military commander (Exodus 17). He and Caleb were the only two spies when Israel first came to Canaan that believed that God could and would give them the land. After Moses died, just as they came to Canaan the second time, he was commissioned to be their leader and take them into the promised land.

I love how the book of Joshua begins. God repeatedly tells Joshua to be strong and courageous. He promises that He will be with him and that He will give the land to them. God reminds him to read and obey His law. God still wants us to be strong and courageous. God still wants us to read and obey His law and His Word, the Bible. We learn how God was strong (and still is) and He was the commander in chief and designed the battle tactics. He fought the battles. We too can trust in God!

Go See and Be Strong — Joshua 1 & 2 — Rahab and the Spies

JOSHUA spies ch1&2Download

This interactive presentation tells the story of Joshua’s commission found in Joshua 1 and of the spies encounter with Rahab told in Joshua 2. Learn with Joshua, to be strong and courageous. Choose, like Rahab, to trust in God. Along the way make some binoculars and build the city of Jericho with blocks. We’ll use this city in a couple weeks.

Crossing the Jordan — Joshua 3 and 4

PowerPoint Program: Joshua Crossing the JordanDownload
We had fun acting out this story. I took the time to make a half-size ark of the covenant by covering a box with gold paper and attaching gold angels cut from gold tag-board. I put in a bowl of oats, 10 commandments printed on blue marble paper, and a small Aaron’s rod. We started Sabbath School by reviewing the sanctuary and talking about what was inside the ark of the covenant and the stories behind each. Meanwhile the assistants set up the Jordan river with some blue cloth and 12 stones under the middle section. After the story we decorated rocks with the story pictures.

Joshua Meets the Commander of the Lord’s Army — Joshua 5:13 – 6:5

PowerPoint Program Joshua Meets CommanderDownload
This lesson is short, but gives time to review the previous lessons. The kids have an opportunity to play Simon Says, color, and sing also. All the while learning that we can trust God to go before us. He has a plan. The battle is the Lords!

Joshua and the Battle of Jericho — Joshua 6-7

PowerPoint Program: Joshua Fights the Battle of JerichoDownload
In this lesson, besides telling and acting out the story of the Battle of Jericho, we review the importance of the Ark of the Covenant and talk about the ram’s horns. I made a half size ‘replica’ of the ark of the covenant out of cardboard and the kids made ram’s horns from paper to use as we marched around the walls of Jericho we made out of duplo bricks. The kids had a lot of fun with this active lesson.

Combination: Joshua Meets the Commander of the Lord’s Army and The Battle of Jericho

Joshua Commander and Jericho J5to6Download

This lesson combines the above two lessons. Joshua asked the Lord, “Are you for us or against us?” He said, “Neither. I come as the Commander of the Lord’s Army.” So the better question is: Are we for the Lord or not? Will we follow the directions of the Commander of the Lord’s Army? We want to align our will with His will. We want to be on His team. We had fun demonstrating this with a designed Tug Of War game.

You could use an Ark of the Covenant Model for this story, too.

The Sin of Achan and the battles of Ai — Joshua 7-8

Joshua, Achan, and the Battles of AiDownload
Jericho was to be destroyed and everything dedicated to the Lord. (Except for Rahab & her family.) After that successful battle, the Israelites were dumbfounded when they were decidedly defeated at Ai. The problem lie in Achan’s deceit. He robbed God! God takes His covenant law very seriously. Once the camp was purified, they overcame Ai with God’s battle plan. This interactive presentation teaches the importance of honesty, confession, and honoring God.

Gibeonites Deception and Desire for Peace — Joshua 9

Joshua 9 GibeonDeception TrickOrTruthDownload

The leaders and warriors from the royal city of Gibeon heard about Joshua’s success and God’s purpose to give them the entire land. Instead of desiring war, they desired peace. However instead of telling the truth, they settled for a ruse – deception. In this lesson we enjoy Family Moment’s Trick or Truth video and learn the importance of seeking truth so that we don’t fall for a lie.

The Sun Stands Still — Joshua 10

Joshua 10 SunStandsStill GOD GIVES THE VICTORYDownload

God gave the Israelites victory after victory. He kept His promises to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Israel. They conquered the Promised Land. God will give us victory after victory in our battle over temptations and evil also. Put on the full armor of God.

Cities of Refuge in the Promised Land — Joshua 20

Joshua the Promised Land and Citites of RefugeDownload
Joshua and the Israelites fought many battles, the land was now the Israelites’ to settle. Joshua gave each tribe a portion. The lesson touches on these points as well as the battle against the 5 kings where the sun stood still, but the main focus is on the Cities of Refuge. God made a way for second chances even for very bad accidents that caused death. We want our homes and churches to be safe places, too, where we experience forgiveness and second chances. Jesus is our refuge, our Savior, who gives second chances!

A Tower Problem — Go, Speak, Listen — Joshua 22

Joshua 22 Returning and Resolving IssuesDownload
The story in Joshua 22 is an example of what we should do when we see a problem or assume there is a problem. We need to go and speak to the person, just like Jesus said to do in Matthew 18:15. We need to take time to listen, like we are encouraged to do in James 1:19. In this presentation kids have an opportunity to build a tower, practice conflict resolution by role playing some scenarios, and make a cell phone.

As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord — Joshua 24

Joshua’s Last WordsDownload
This presentation focuses on the most important decision we can ever make, the decision to serve God. We serve Him, because He serves us. We love Him, because He loves us. Will you decide now to follow Jesus?

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Author: Janelle C

I enjoy planning lessons, directing VBS and child care programs. Children's ministry is my passion. God Almighty is my strength and inspiration. For fun I choose hiking, canoeing, camping, cooking, and reading.

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