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.


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Events as Jesus Continues His ministry

Jesus came to this world to walk in our shoes. He came because He promised He would. He came because He loves us and wants to be with us forever. There are so many experiences found in the Bible! This section focuses on the stories found in the gospel books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Every day Jesus showed how much God loves us.

I have found that having pictures and scriptures for the story especially during the restrictions of Covid-19 very helpful in teaching the lesson. It’s also great with Zoom.

Faith and Peace — Jesus Calms the Storm — Luke 8

In this presentation, we look at three short stories about faith. Jesus told some parables. One was about faith as small as a mustard seed. Another was about setting a lamp where it can be seen. Our main story is about Jesus calming the storm. He showed the disciples what it means to rest in complete faith in God. He also showed them how capable he was in caring for them. He commanded the wind and the waves and brought peace. This strengthened the disciples faith and it grew. One activity is to plant a few small seeds and care for them so that they will grow, as a reminder that our faith will grow as we spend time with him and learn to trust Him more and more. Another activity is to make a foil boat and use it in demonstrating the story.

A Night Time Visitor — Nicodemus Talks to Jesus — John 3

The most quoted salvation verse, John 3:16, is here in this story, Jesus talks to Nicodemus. He also talks about the importance of being born again. We are invited to be part of God’s family. We ARE part of His family, when we accept Him as our Savior. We show this by being baptized. This slide presentation includes the basic lesson, songs, a craft, and an invitation to become a child of God.

The Woman At The Well — John 4

In this presentation we learn that Jesus give us life. He encourages us to ask for a special gift, for living water. That gift is the Holy Spirit which helps us to truly get to know God. It calls us to repentance and teaches us what is right and good. It leads us to salvation and eternal life through Jesus Christ our Savior. These are big concepts for little ears. But knowing that Jesus knows us and loves us as our best friend is a message we all can understand. Along the way, we have fun pulling water up from a ‘well’ and do a craft.

Jesus Commissions the 12 Apostles to Go Two by Two then 72 sent to go preach and heal — Luke 6 & 9, Matthew 9

After Jesus spent all night praying, He chose 12 of His disciples to be apostles. Then He commissioned them to go ahead of Him to the villages of Israel and Judea to announce that the kingdom of heaven was near. Jesus gave them authority to heal, cast out demons and raise the dead. Thus the apostles joined Jesus in His mission and activities. Jesus want us to join Him in spreading the good news, too. One craft option is to make a first aid kit, so that we can help people get well too,

Jesus and the Children — Let the Children Come to Me — Mark 10:13-16

Jesus was busy teaching. Was He too busy to see the children? The disciples assumed He was, but Jesus was not. He invited the children to come and He blessed them. Are we too busy to see the people that have come to see us; to ask about God; to ask for a favor? This lesson hits home for me. Oh to be like Jesus!

Jesus Anointed with Perfume mixed with Tears — Luke 7

How is perfume made? Take the smell challenge; What is that smell? Why was Jesus anointed? How can we be like sweet smelling perfume? These questions and more are answered in this presentation. Kids enjoy using their senses of smell and making something sweet smelling to give to someone as they share God’s love.

Keep Your Eyes on Jesus — Walking on Water Matthew 14

This is such a fun interactive story. Encourage the kids to pretend they are on a boat. Bring a fan and maybe a spray bottle to add wind and water to the experience during the storm. Have them get out of the boat like Peter. This slide presentation also includes songs, a craft and more. Keeping our eyes on Jesus is like a tight-rope walker focusing ahead. Try it.

Two Rich men’s Response — Zacchaeus — Luke 18 & 19

In this presentation, we look at both the story of the rich man who went away sad, unwilling to give to the poor and the story of Zacchaeus who gladly welcomed Jesus and committed to giving both to the poor and those he had cheated. Jesus said salvation had come to his house. God loves a cheerful giver. During the lesson, we also learn about the sycamore tree and it’s seeds. Zacchaeus’ heart was soft and ready to be planted with the love of Jesus. The other rich man’s heart was hard and pokey like a young sycamore tree fruit (seed).

Zacchaeus Craft

Jesus’ Transfiguration — Matthew 17

This presentation starts with a show and tell. After kids share their bright and beautiful objects, we’ll talk about how God is brighter and more glorious than all these. He is brighter and more glorious than the son. Peter, James, and John were privileged to see Jesus, Moses, and Elijah in all their heavenly glory.

Lazarus’ Death and Resurrection — John 11

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and life. Everyone who believes in me will have life, even if they die. After listening to John 11 with a live drama, the children get to use Lego people to retell this amazing story of the power of God. Planting a seeds represent how God brings new life after burial.

Jesus’ Triumphal Entry


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Peter’s Role in the First Church

Although Peter denied Jesus at His trial, Jesus gave Peter a second chance after His resurrection. Three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved him. Peter replied that Jesus knew in his heart he did. Jesus told him to care for His lambs and feed His sheep. Peter did just that. He taught them about God’s love and power. Through the awesome power of God and Jesus’ name, he was God’s instrument to heal many and even raise some to life. Many believed in Jesus and were saved.

These presentations are a backdrop that you can use to tell these wonderful stories from the life of Peter and his part of God’s story — History.

In the Name of Jesus — Acts 3-4

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In Jesus’ name, Peter and John heal a lame man. The story is in the song. He went walking and leaping and praising God. Even though the leaders, told Peter and John to never do or say anything in Jesus’ name again, they said they couldn’t stop. They prayed that they would be bold. They praised God and God gave them courage! 5,000 people believed that it is Jesus who saves!

Peter at Lydda — Aenas is healed; Dorcas is Alive — Acts 9

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Dorcas loved to make clothes for others, but she got sick and died. Now what will happen? We’ll find out in this presentation. We’ll also find out how they made clothes back then. Watch the story, make some clothes, read, listen, and tell the story. Will you accept the challenge to give some clothes to the poor too?

Peter Called by Cornelius Acts 10

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The story of Cornelius and Peter shows that God does not show favoritism. Salvation is for people from all nations! Read about it in Acts 10. The vision of the animals sparked several fun activities. We started with a game where the kids had to figure out which animal was on their back by listening to other’s clues. During the story, kids had fun filling up the sheet with animals. We also talked a little about clean and unclean animals. However the real point of the story is that God loves everyone! Salvation is for everyone! We too, should share God’s love with everyone.

Peter rescued from Prison, Again! Acts 12

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Peter is thrown into prison, yet again. Sometimes trouble comes. Peter knew that if God was willing, He could save him. He trusted God so much, he slept! In 1 Peter 5:10, Peter shares that God gives the grace we need. Even tho we suffer, He will make us strong and steady. An egg put in boiling water may ‘suffer’ but it does become firm, strong, and steady. In the telling of the story, kids are encouraged to act it out. One way to retell the story would be to use this background and Peter & angel puppet. Another optional craft is a clock – God is with me and answers prayer all the time.

Peter writes a letter — 1 Peter

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To finish our look at the First Church through the eyes of Peter we turn to his letter, 1 Peter. Here he reminds the church of God’s love, forgiveness, and power. He encourages them to be loving, kind, humble, respectful, truthful, and have self-control. In this presentation we make a puzzle, sing, play a game of choices, learn about bees, and make a craft of bees that remind us to bee loving, bee kind, etc.

For more stories from Acts — Return to The First Church summary and index


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Jesus Teaches as He Continues His Ministry

What did Jesus teach? He had much to say about the Kingdom of God. He talked about the plan of salvation. Along the way he told many parables. These stories show us how much God loves us and wants us to be part of His kingdom and join Him in loving others and sharing the Good News!

Each lesson provides slides for the teacher of the lesson. Included in each set of slides are music videos, the Bible story verses from the Bible accompanied by pictures, activities to go along with the story, and many have a video of the story. I hope you find these helpful, as I have.

Other lessons from the four gospels can be found on the pages: Jesus Begins His Ministry, A Day in the Life of Jesus (events), and Jesus Heals.

Teachings of Jesus

There are so many teachings of Jesus in the Gospels, I had to divide them onto different pages. You can also use the search bar to help you find the one you are looking for.

The Sermon on the Mount — Lessons from Matthew 5-8

Parables Jesus Told — from the four Gospels

Jesus Teaches Individuals

Jesus Teaches the Disciples

Jesus Teaches Others