The New Year is a wonderful opportunity to teach children about fresh starts, gratitude, and trusting God with the future. A Bible-focused New Year’s lesson helps kids reflect on God’s faithfulness in the past and look forward with hope and confidence in His plans. There are many creative ways to celebrate the New Year with a biblical emphasis—through fun crafts, engaging activities, meaningful Bible verses, printable lessons, and worship ideas that remind kids that every new beginning comes from God.

What the Bible says about New Year’s

The Bible does not explicitly mention New Year’s, as this isn’t a celebration that people in the Old Testament or New Testament observed. However, there are many themes throughout the Bible that fit really well with New Year’s. Here are a few:

• God’s mercies are new every morning: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23

• God is always with us: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. Do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” - Joshua 1:9

• We need to trust God in everything we do: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” — Proverbs 3:5-6

• Trusting God with our plans: “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.” — Proverbs 16:3

NEW YEAR’S BIBLE LESSONS FOR KIDS

Are you looking for a simple way to teach about New Year’s? The story of God Leading the Israelites Through the Desert is a great connection. The lessons include lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts.

(Click HERE for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version!)

grab the new year lesson for preschool and kindergarten

A BIBLE STORY FOR THE NEW YEAR - GOD LEADS THE ISRAELITES THROUGH THE DESERT

The Israelites had just left Egypt after about 400 years of slavery. God had heard the Israelites’ cry for help and sent Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. They didn’t know where they were going, but they trusted God to lead them.

God led the people through the desert. During the day, He would lead them by a pillar of cloud. During the night, He would lead them by a pillar of fire. When the pillar moved, the people would follow. When the pillar stopped, the Israelites would stop. The Israelites could trust that God was leading them and would keep them safe.

HOW DOES THIS STORY CONNECT TO THE NEW YEAR? 

This story is a wonderful reminder for the start of a new year. Just like the Israelites, we don’t know what will happen in the year ahead, but we can trust God to lead us. God knows the path before us and promises to stay with us every step of the journey. When we pray, listen, and follow God’s Word, He helps us make good choices and shows us the right direction. Even when we can’t see what’s next, we can feel safe because God leads the way.

bible crafts for the new year

Cloud and Fire Craft for Preschool

Kids in preschool and kindergarten will make this printable craft that shows the pillar of cloud and pillar of fire that God used to lead the Israelites.

Just like God led the Israelites, He will lead us! God will show us the way. Preschool children will enjoy creating a simple craft that relates to the Bible story of God leading the Israelites by fire and cloud. Give each child the printable cloud, flame and circle found in the New Year’s Bible Lesson for Preschool. Then, they decorate the fire with glitter and markers and put cotton balls on the cloud. Attach all three pieces and remind kids that God is with us day and night, leading the way.

Be sure to help kids make the connection that, just like the Israelites trusted God with their journey, we can trust God as we journey into a new year.

Lantern Craft for Older Kids

Bigger kids can use tissue paper, glue, a jar, and an electric candle to make this simple lantern craft.

Older kids can create a small lantern made from a glass jar, tissue paper and glue. This lantern will remind them that, just like God led the Israelites with fire at night, He will guide us through each day of the new year.

In this craft, kids will use liquid glue to attach small pieces of tissue paper to a glass jar. Then have kids glue “God Shows Me the Way” onto the lantern. The template can be found in the New Year Bible Lesson for Older Kids.

Put a small electric tealight into the lantern and watch it glow!

New Year’s Compass craft for older kids

This printable compass craft is included in the New Year Bible lesson for bigger kids.

A compass is used to guide people on journeys. A New Year is like a journey because we don’t know what’s to come. Just like a compass points the way, God shows us where to go in life when we follow Him and trust His plan.

To help kids make this connection, check out the printable compass craft available in the New Year’s Bible Lesson for Older Kids. In this craft, kids will decorate their paper compass and use a paper fastener to attach the arrow, allowing it to spin.

The compass will serve as a reminder that God will lead the way.

OTHER New Year’s CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES

• New Year’s Clocks: Make a paper plate clock with kids, complete with movable hands! Then talk about how God gives us each a new day and a new year. For simple instructions, check out Mum in the Madhouse or The Spruce Crafts.

• Blessing Jar: Give each child a jar. These could be from the dollar store or collected from a recycling bin. Use tissue paper and glue to decorate the jars. This will be their Blessing Jar for the New Year. Every time they think of something they are grateful for, or something wonderful happens, they can write it down and remember all the blessings God gives us throughout the year.

• Follow the Leader Obstacle Course: Set up a simple obstacle course using the furniture in the room. For instance, set up chairs for kids to weave around, or a table for them to crawl under. Then choose a child to be the leader, who must lead the group through the obstacle course. Then discuss how God wants us to follow Him and trust Him, much like children follow a leader and trust their guidance.

• Footprints: Trace each child’s footprints onto pieces of paper. Then write words or verses about trusting God to lead them through the new year. For example, “I trust God to lead me this year” or “God promises to lead me”.

WORSHIP SONGs TO DEDICATE THE NEW YEAR TO THE LORD

Worship songs are a great way to help kids reflect on the goodness of God. We can trust that God is always with us and will lead us through life. Things will not always be easy, but God promises to be with us through the good times and the bad. 

Here are some song suggestions:

• Way Maker by Leeland

• Goodness of God by Bethel Music

• Trust in You by Lauren Daigle

• I’m Trusting You by Lifetree Kids

• Let’s Trust in Jesus by Lifetree Kids

• Tis’ So Sweet to Trust in Jesus by Lifetree Kids

Try using the songs above to open your Sunday School lesson, during transition times, or as a way to wrap up your class with worship and celebration. 

Looking for more Bible lessons for kids?

Be sure to check out our 52-week Bible curriculum for both preschoolers and kindergarteners, as well as older children in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grades. These lessons cover stories from the New and Old Testaments, including: Genesis, Moses and the Exodus, the prophets, the life of Jesus, parables, and Jesus’ miracles.

Bring the Old Testament to life for kids with creative crafts and engaging activities that make Bible stories memorable and fun. From Jonah and the Whale to Queen Esther, Elijah on Mount Carmel, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Naaman’s Healing, Joshua and the Walls of Jericho, David and Goliath, and Elisha and the Widow’s Oil, these hands-on ideas help children understand God’s power, courage, faith, and love through play and creativity.

The Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and a Queen

God used ordinary people to make a significant impact for the people of Israel. David was a shepherd boy who became king. Esther was a Jewish orphan who became queen. Naaman was healed because a servant girl had the courage to speak up. Daniel was captured as a boy and brought to serve the king in a foreign land, eventually rising in power. Elijah, Jonah, and Elisha were prophets who delivered messages from God. The stories of the Old Testament kings, queens and prophets help teach kids about obedience, courage, and standing up for what is right.

JONAH AND THE WHALE

Jonah and the Whale is a beloved story for kids (and adults) because it teaches about the importance of obedience while also engaging our natural curiosity about what it was like in the belly of a giant sea creature! Jonah was tasked with taking a message to Nineveh. However, this was a group of people that Jonah had no interest in visiting, so he ran away. His disobedience eventually led to him being swallowed by a giant fish, where he stayed for three days and nights. After Jonah repented, God caused the fish to spit Jonah up, and Jonah went to Ninevah to deliver the message.

There are many ways to teach this story. Have kids create an underwater wax-resist scene using crayons and paint. Do directed drawings of whales and fish, or make an ocean in a bottle. For details on these activities, as well as links for the directed drawings, be sure to check out Jonah and the Whale Bible Lessons for Kids.

JOSHUA AND THE WALLS OF JERICHO

Joshua became the leader of the Israelites after Moses, and Joshua led the people into the Promised Land. But before they could get there, they had to get through Jericho, a fortified city. God commanded the people to walk around Jericho for seven days, following God’s specific instructions, and on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho came crashing down. The Israelites had conquered the city.

This story is exciting because young kids get caught up in the excitement of the Israelites walking silently for six days and then shouting on the seventh day. For ideas on how to teach this story, check out Joshua and the Walls of Jericho Bible Lessons for Kids. Along with a marching game and links to YouTube videos, you’ll find ideas like a printable trumpet craft for younger kids and a printable walls of Jericho craft for older kids. 

DAVID AND GOLIATH

David and Goliath is a well-known story of the Israelites being challenged by the Philistine giant, Goliath. No one wanted to fight Goliath! David, a young shepherd boy, volunteered to fight Goliath. Using a slingshot and a stone, David won the fight! This story of bravery resonates well with kids because it reminds them that God can use anyone!

To help kids connect with this story, there are numerous activities and crafts available. Create a tape figure on the wall, measuring 9 feet tall, so kids can visualize how tall Goliath was. Make a popsicle stick slingshot or play a game of bowling (the bowling pins represent Goliath, and the bowling ball represents the stone David flung). For more details on these activities, as well as a printable craft for younger kids, check out David and Goliath Bible Lessons for Kids.

ELISHA AND THE WIDOW’S OIL

God cares for our needs! And the story of Elisha and the widow’s oil is a beautiful example of this. Elisha was a prophet of God. One day, a desperate widow approached him and explained that her sons were about to be taken as slaves because she couldn’t pay her husband’s debt. Elisha told the woman to gather jars and pour oil into the jars. Her oil multiplied, and she sold it to pay off the debt. This story is a remarkable example of how God cares for us!

Help kids engage with this story through activities like making clay jars or participating in relay races. Have kids join in water relays, where they try to fill containers, just like the widow filled jars with oil. Be sure to check out Elisha and the Widow’s Oil Bible Lessons for Kids for more details. You’ll also find printable crafts, including an oil resist art project.

NAAMAN IS HEALED

The Bible has many stories about miraculous healings and each one is exciting! The story of Naaman is one of these stories. Naaman was sick with leprosy and was healed when he followed some peculiar instructions. Elisha, the prophet, gave instructions for Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Once he had washed seven times, the leprosy was gone!

Be sure to check out Naaman is Healed Bible Lessons for Kids for some great activities and crafts. Some ideas include playing a game of “Simon Says”, making the connection that Naaman had to obey the instructions in order to be healed. Decorate soap dispensers to remind kids that God washes us clean from sin. You’ll also find printable templates for a retelling of the story spinner craft and instructions for a fun activity where kids reenact the healing of Naaman with a laminated figure.

DANIEL AND THE LIONS’ DEN

Daniel and the Lions’ Den teaches us the importance of trusting God and standing up for what is right. King Darius was tricked into making a law that required everyone to pray only to him. Daniel refused to obey this law and was thrown into the lions’ den. But God sent an angel to protect Daniel!

There are some fun lion crafts to do that go well with this story. Check out Daniel and the Lions Den Bible Lessons for Kids to find ideas such as Pin the Tail on the Lion, paper plate lions, lion masks, and a printable Daniel and the Lions scene.

ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL ON MOUNT CARMEL

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal is a powerful story that teaches us that God is the One True God. The people of Israel were worshiping the false god, Baal. Elijah called all the prophets of Baal and the people of Israel onto Mount Carmel. He challenged them to have Baal send down fire from heaven, but nothing happened. When Elijah called on God to send down fire from heaven, it was a fabulous display of power. The Israelites learned that God was the One True God!

There are some great ways to help kids connect with this story. For ideas, click HERE! You’ll find ideas like water relays to remind kids of the part in the story where Elijah douses the altar and offering in water before calling on God to send fire. Challenge kids to a Rock, Paper, Scissors championship and make a connection that there was a “duel” between God and Baal. You’ll also find printable crafts for both younger and older kids, where they create an altar with fire consuming it.

ESTHER THE BRAVE QUEEN

Esther was a Jewish girl who became queen. When an evil man plotted to have all the Jews killed, Esther showed bravery and risked her life to talk to the king. Her bravery saved the Jewish people and put an end to the evil plan.

Check out Esther the Brave Queen Bible Lessons for Kids for ideas to teach this story. You’ll find ideas for relay races, YouTube videos, a Bravery Feast snack, and a printable crown craft. 

A WHOLE YEAR OF BIBLE LESSONS FOR KIDS

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners, as well as for older children in first, second, and third grades. Don’t miss checking out the 52-week curriculum at a deep discount!

Esther is a powerful story of courage, faith, and God's providence, making it a wonderful Bible story to teach children. Keep reading for creative and engaging ideas to help kids understand the story of Queen Esther, including hands-on crafts, fun activities, printable lesson plans, and links to kid-friendly YouTube videos. These resources make it easy to bring Esther’s brave story to life.

The Story of Esther

The details of the story are found in the book of Esther. King Xerxes was in search of a new queen. He married Esther, a Jewish girl who lived with her cousin, Mordecai. Esther kept her Jewish identity a secret from the king.

King Xerxes had a trusted official, Haman, who hated the Jews. He especially hated Mordecai because Mordecai refused to bow down to him. Haman wanted to rid the nation of Jews, so he had the king make a law that would have all the Jews killed. Mordecai told Esther to talk to the king about this, even though this might cost Esther her life.

Esther prepared two feasts for the king and Haman. At the second feast, she revealed that she is Jewish. Because of her courage, Esther was able to save the Jewish people. 

Esther the Brave Queen - Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you planning to teach the BIble story of Esther? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3-8.

(Check out the 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade version HERE)

Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

Background Information About Esther

Esther’s parents died, so she was adopted by her cousin, Mordecai. You might hear her called Hadassah, which was her Hebrew name. She changed her name to Esther before going to the palace so she could hide that she was a Jew.

Haman was a powerful man who wanted people to bow down to him. Mordecai refused to bow down because that would be an act of worship, and Mordecai would only worship God. This made Haman furious, so he tricked the king into authorizing all Jews to be killed. Neither the king nor Haman knew that Esther was a Jew. 

CROWN CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

Making a crown is a classic preschool craft! There are several ways to do this. You could cut thick strips of construction paper, use card stock, or print the templates from Esther the Brave Queen for Preschool. Use stickers, crayons, pom poms, markers, and glitter to decorate the crowns. Be sure to help kids make the connection between the crown and the story of Queen Esther, otherwise they will just be excited to decorate a crown.

“I CAN SERVE GOD” CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

Esther Bible craft for bigger kids.

God often places us in a situation where we can do His work right where we are. God placed Esther in the palace because he knew that she would be in the right place at the right time to save the Jews. She was there “for such a time as this.” 

Brainstorm with kids about places they can serve God right where they are. For example, “At soccer, I can help my coach set up cones. At home, I can listen to Mom and Dad the first time they ask me to do something.”

Then have kids trace their hands and cut them out. Glue these hands onto the heart template from Esther the Brave Queen for Older Kids. On the heart, have kids draw or write at least one way they can serve God.

Other Activities to Teach About Esther

• Get Ready Relay: Esther prepared a feast for the king and Haman. Set up a relay race where kids race to gather all the items needed for a feast. Place a basket with items like paper plates, napkins, and pretend food at the end of the room. Kids will take turns racing to the other end and gathering their items. The first team to collect everything wins. 

• Bravery Scenarios: Put together a list of scenarios and have kids discuss how to be brave. For example, “It is the first day of school and you feel nervous about going to class,” or “Your soccer coach has asked you to lead the warm-up activity for your teammates”, etc. 

• Bravery Feast: Have a snack and pretend you are at Esther’s feast. While snacking, discuss what it means to stand for what is right and be brave.

• Build a Courage Jar: Esther had to be brave when going to the king. There are many Bible verses that talk about God being with us and being strong and courageous. Take some time to read these with your kids and write them on popsicle sticks. Then put the popsicle sticks into a jar. Whenever kids are faced with a situation where they need to be brave, they can take out a popsicle stick and read a verse or a phrase to feel encouraged. 

YouTube Videos About Esther

YouTube videos about Esther might pair well with your lesson. Please ensure to preview any video you show to make sure the content is appropriate for your teaching context. Here are some suggestions:

• The Story of Queen Esther by Minno Bible Stories for Kids

• God’s Story: Esther by Crossroads Kids Club

• Esther - Bible Story by Saddleback Kids

• Esther: The Girl Who Became Queen by VeggieTales

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?

This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elijah and the Prophets of Baal, Elisha and the Widow’s Oil, Naaman is Healed, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Joshua and Jericho, David and Goliath, and Jonah.

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners and for older children in first, second, and third grades.

The story of Esther reminds kids about the importance of courage! These teaching ideas are a great way to help kids engage with the story.

Dive into the story of Jonah with fun and engaging resources that help kids understand God's mercy and Jonah’s journey. With creative crafts, interactive activities, and kid-friendly YouTube videos, children will connect with this powerful Bible story. These ideas are perfect for Sunday school, homeschool lessons, family devotion time, or faith-based schools.

The Bible Story of Jonah

The story of Jonah is outlined in the Book of Jonah. Jonah was a prophet of God and one day, he received a message to go to Ninevah to preach the message God would give him. Jonah didn’t want to go, so he ran away on a ship.

While Jonah was out to sea, God sent a storm. The sailors were all terrified and asked Jonah to pray. Jonah told them to throw him overboard and the storm would stop. The sailors listened and when they threw Jonah overboard, the storm stopped.

God send a big fish to swallow Jonah. He spent three days and nights in the belly of the fish. Then the fish spat him onto land. Jonah went to Ninevah to deliver the message from God and the people of Ninevah turned from their wickedness.

Jonah and the Whale Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you planning to teach the story of Jonah? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3-8.

Check out the Preschool/Kindergarten Version HERE

Click Here for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version

Background Information About Jonah

Nineveh was the capital of the Assyrian Empire, and the Assyrians were an enemy of Israel. History books tell us a lot about Nineveh, and we know that Nineveh was a place known for causing great pain to Israelites and doing terrible things.

Jonah was likely afraid of the Ninevites, and he didn’t think they deserved God’s mercy or love because of all the terrible things the Ninevites had done.

A Whale in the Ocean CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

The ocean is a place of wonder and mystery. There are so many things, like underwater volcanoes, caves, and plant life!

Have kids create a wax resist underwater scene, highlighting the wonders of the ocean. Do this by using crayons to draw a scene. Make sure to press relatively hard with the crayons. Once kids are done drawing, use watered down water colors to paint blue over the page. The paint has to be quite watered down or it doesn’t work as well. When the scene is dried, kids can glue a whale into their scene. Check out Jonah and the Whale for Older Kids for the whale template.

‘Inside the Fish’ CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

Kids will get a kick out of this simple craft! It will also help them as they describe the story of Jonah and the Whale to their family.

Using the printable templates in Jonah and the Whale for Preschool, have kids color their fish and Jonah. Cut the fish on the indicated line and glue Jonah into the mouth of the whale. Using a paper fastener, hinge the two pieces of the fish together so the fish looks like it’s eating Jonah!

Other Activities to Teach About Jonah

• Fish Art: Take time to do a fish drawing, like some of these from Art for Kids Hub:

• Surprise Shark: This directed drawing is fun because it’s a shark that folds out to show a fish in its mouth. Instead of doing a shark, have kids draw a whale and then draw Jonah in the whale’s mouth.

• Cartoon Whale

• A Realistic Whale  

• Hide Jonah: Use a small figurine, like a LEGO person, to be Jonah. Have your group sit in a circle and designate one kid to be “it”. That kid has to leave the circle and cover their eyes. The other kids will pass Jonah around to music. When the music stops, everyone pretends to be holding Jonah. The “it” person has to guess who is actually holding Jonah. 

• Ocean in a Bottle: Check out Happy Hooligans for an Ocean in the Bottle craft. After making the ocean in a bottle, give each kid a small laminated Jonah and Big Fish to add to their bottle. Kids can watch him and the whale swimming around.

• PomPom Shooters: Using balloons and toilet paper rolls, create a pompom shooter. Then have the kids use their imaginations that the toilet paper holder is the big fish, and the pompom being shot out is Jonah being spat out of the fish! For step-by-step instructions on how to create a pompom shooter, check out Little Bins for Little Hands.

YouTube Videos About Jonah

There are some great YouTube videos to help kids visualize the story. As always, be sure to preview the videos to ensure they are age-appropriate. Here are some suggestions:

• Jonah and the Whale by The Beginner’s Bible

• The Story of Jonah and the Whale by Minno Bible Stories for Kids

• God’s Story: Jonah by Crossroad Kids’ Club

• Jonah and the Fish by Saddleback Kids

• The Story of Jonah and the Whale by VeggieTales

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?

This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elijah and the Prophets of Baal, Elisha and the Widow’s Oil, Naaman is Healed, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Esther the Brave Queen, David and Goliath, and Joshua and the Battle of Jericho.

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners, as well as for older children in first, second, and third grades.

Jonah and the Whale is a story that creates wonder in kids (and adults) of all ages! There are so many great ways to help kids engage in the learning in memorable ways.

Teach the story of Joshua and theWalls of Jericho in a fun and meaningful way with creative resources designed just for kids. This collection of hands-on crafts, engaging activities, and kid-friendly YouTube videos will help children understand Joshua’s faith and obedience as they explore how God brought down the walls of Jericho. Perfect for Sunday school, homeschool, or faith-based schools.

The Story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho

The story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho is recorded in Joshua 5:13-Joshua 6:27.

Joshua was the leader of the Israelites, and he was leading them to the Promised Land. However, the fortified city of Jericho was before them. God gave Joshua instructions for how to conquer Jericho. The people were to walk once around the city for six days, with seven priests blowing horns while walking in front of the Ark of the Covenant. Then, on the seventh day, they were to walk around the city seven times. When they walked around the seventh time, the priests blew trumpets, and the people shouted. 

The Israelites followed God’s instructions, and on the seventh day, the walls of Jericho fell. The Israelites conquered the city.

Joshua and the Battle of Jericho Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you planning to teach the story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3-8.

(Check out the Preschool/Kindergarten Version HERE)

Click her the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version

Background Information About Joshua and the Battle of Jericho

After wandering the desert for 40 years, the Israelites finally entered the land God had promised them. There would be many battles to fight for the Promised Land, but the first battle was at Jericho.

Jericho was a fortified city. The walls were over 11 feet tall and over 5 feet wide at the base. The people inside the city were well protected. 

THE WALLS OF JERICHO CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

Some people believe older kids need complex crafts, or they lose interest. But this isn’t always the case. There is beauty in doing a simple craft that connects back to the story. This simple craft from Joshua and the Battle of Jericho for Older Kids is a great way for kids to remember the story. 

Using the pieces provided, have the kids cut out and color their “Jericho” and “marcher” pieces. Cut the slits on either side of Jericho and insert the marchers. Kids can pull the marchers back and forth to make them walk around the walls.

TRUMPET CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

Trumpets are an integral part of this story because the priests blew trumpets as they walked around Jericho. In Joshua and the Battle of Jericho for Preschool, you’ll find a simple craft where kids decorate a printable trumpet. Use crayons, markers, stickers, or glitter (if you’re feeling brave!). 

These trumpets will serve as a visual reminder of the story and act as a springboard when parents/guardians ask, “What did you learn today?”

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Other Activities to Teach About Joshua and the Battle of Jericho

• Jericho March: Pick a route to walk (like around a building or a field). Tell kids you will be walking around “Jericho” (your route) 7 times. Have them walk quietly for the first six times and then shout and play instruments like shakers or tambourines on the seventh time.

• Wall and Marchers: Divide your students into two groups: walls and marchers. The walls stand in a circle, and the marchers walk around them. When the marchers shout their battle cry on the seventh march around, the walls fall to the ground. 

• Build the Walls of Jericho: Have kids reenact the story by building the walls of Jericho using magnetic tiles, blocks, or Lego. Then knock the walls down afterwards.

• Ark of the Covenant Craft: Purchase small wooden boxes from the Dollar Store, or make cubes out of paper using a template like this one from FirstPalette. Decorate the boxes using markers, stickers, glitter, and other crafting materials. Discuss the Art of the Covenant and its significance in the context of this story.

• Learn a Song: There is a classic song called “Joshua Fought the Battle of Jericho” that you could teach your kids. Here is an updated version of the song from Superbook.

YouTube Videos About Joshua and the Battle of Jericho

YouTube can be a great way to help our learners visualize the story. As always, be sure to preview any videos you plan to show. Here are some suggestions:

• The Walls of Jericho by Saddleback Kids

• God’s Story: Joshua and the Battle of Jericho by Crossroad Kids’ Club

• The Story of the Walls of Jericho by Minno Bible Stories for Kids

• Joshua and the Battle of Jericho by The Beginner’s Bible - This one is a 26-minute episode. 

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?

This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elijah and the Prophets of Baal, Elisha and the Widow’s Oil, Naaman is Healed, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Esther the Brave Queen, David and Goliath, and Jonah.

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners, as well as for older children in first, second, and third grades.

Joshua and the Battle of Jericho is a great story to teach obedience and faith. Whether you’re a homeschooling parent, a Sunday School teacher, or work at a faith-based school, many activities can help this story come alive for kids.

Teach the story of David and Goliath in a fun and engaging way using creative resources designed just for kids. With kid-friendly videos, printable lesson plans, and hands-on crafts and activities, children will discover David’s courage, his faith in God, and how they can face their own “giants” with confidence.

The Story of David and Goliath

The Israelites were at war with the Philistines, who had a giant named Goliath. Goliath challenged the Israelites to a duel, calling one of the Israelite soldiers to fight him. None of the Israelites wanted to fight Goliath. 

But one day, a young boy named David went to bring food to his brothers in the army. He heard Goliath’s challenge and volunteered to fight the giant.

David trusted God. He used a slingshot to shoot a stone at Goliath. It hit Goliath in the forehead, and he fell, dead. David had won!

David and Goliath - Bible Stories for Kids

Are you planning to to teach the story of David and Goliath? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3-8.

(Check out the Preschool/Kindergarten Version HERE)

Check here for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version

Background Information About David and Goliath

At some point before this story, a prophet named Samuel anointed David to be king. While he waited, David was a shepherd, and he worked as a musician, playing music for King Saul. So, when David fought Goliath, he knew that one day he would be king. King Saul didn’t know this yet, though. He thought David was a shepherd boy who played the harp.

People would talk about David’s victory for years to come! In fact, David later gained a reputation for being a great warrior. 

DAVID AND GOLIATH SCENE FOR PRESCHOOL

In this activity, kids will have the opportunity to create their very own cut-and-glue Bible story scene. This hands-on project invites kids to carefully cut out the characters, objects, and background pieces from the printable template, and then arrange and glue them into place to bring the story to life. As they work, children aren’t just crafting—they’re also reviewing the details of the Bible passage, thinking about where each person or item belongs, and retelling the story in their own way.

Take time to do a simple craft from David and Goliath for Preschool. In this activity, children receive pieces of David, holding his slingshot, which they can glue into a picture showing the giant Goliath standing in the valley. As they carefully place David across from Goliath, the children can visualize the courage of the young shepherd boy and the great challenge he faced. It’s a simple activity, but it provides a meaningful way for kids to interact with the story and take home a reminder of what they learned.

SLINGSHOT CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

Older kids will enjoy the challenge of creating their very own slingshot. (Well, it’s actually more of a catapult, but it can serve as a substitute for the slingshot in the story.)

Using craft sticks and rubber bands, kids can create a slingshot to fire a pompom. Use the instructions provided in David and Goliath for Older Kids to make the device. Then, have kids test them out and measure how far they can launch their pompoms. Kids can tweak their devices and try again to hope for a longer result!

Other Activities to Teach About Daniel and Goliath

• Bowling for Giants: Turn bowling into a game about David and Goliath. Use bowling pins (or anything that can be knocked over) to be the giant. Then, toss a plastic bowling ball or beanbag at the pins. 

• Painter’s Tape Goliath: Depending on your source, you will find different heights for Goliath. Many people believe he was around 9 feet 9 inches tall. Use painters’ tape and create a line on the wall that is 9 feet 9 inches tall. Then have kids stand by the line to compare their height.

• Rock Painting: David used a stone when fighting Goliath. So take the kids outside to find stones. Then have kids paint them or decorate them with permanent markers. 

• Courage Journaling: David had to show a lot of courage when facing Goliath. Have kids write about something they are afraid of or a time they had to show courage. Then pray about these things and ask God to help them be courageous. 

YouTube Videos About Daniel and Goliath

YouTube can be a great resource for teaching Bible stories. But preview the videos to ensure they are age-appropriate and match what you want to teach. Here are some suggestions:

• The Story of David and Goliath by Minno - Bible Stories for Kids

• David and Goliath by Saddleback Kids

• David and Goliath by The Beginner’s Bible—This 30-minute episode delves into David’s being anointed king and his fight with Goliath. 

• David and Goliath by Veggie Tales. This one is also called Dave and the Giant Pickle. 

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?

This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elijah and the Prophets of Baal, Elisha and the Widow’s Oil, Naaman is Healed, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Joshua and Jericho, Esther the Brave Queen, and Jonah.

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners and for older children in first, second, and third grades.

David and Goliath is a classic story that children love. It shows how God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes. Whether you’re homeschooling, in Sunday School, or work at a faith-based school, there are amazing resources to help make this story come alive.

The story of Elisha and the Jars of Oil beautifully shows how God provides for our needs, making it a valuable and encouraging Bible lesson to teach children. Teaching this story can be both fun and impactful with the right tools! There are many creative ideas to help children understand and remember the story, including hands-on crafts and activities, and printable lesson plans that are perfect for Sunday school, homeschool, or faith-based schools. These engaging resources will help bring the story to life and encourage kids to trust God's faithfulness.

WHO WAS ELISHA?

Elisha was a prophet of God in the Old Testament who followed and learned from Elijah. After Elijah was taken to heaven, Elisha became the next prophet and performed many miracles through God’s power. Elisha’s life shows how God uses faithful people to do amazing things and help others.

THE STORY of the widow’s jars of oil

The story of Elisha and the Jars of Oil can be found in 2 Kings 4:1-7. A widow approached Elisha and told him that her husband’s creditors were coming to take her two sons as slaves. Elisha asked what she had, and she replied that she only had a small jar of oil.

Elisha instructed her to gather as many empty jars as she could from her neighbors, then go home, shut the door, and pour oil into all the jars.

She did exactly as Elisha said; miraculously, the oil from her small jar filled every container. When there were no jars left, the oil stopped flowing. Elisha told her to sell the oil, pay her debts, and live on what was left.

Elisha and the Jars of Oil - Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the story of Elijah and the Prophets of Baal? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version)

Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT ELISHA AND THE JARS OF OIL

In Bible times, it was common for people to become slaves or for their children to become slaves until a debt could be paid back. So, the two sons in this story were to become slaves to pay back their father’s debt.

Oil was important in Bible times. It was used in cooking and to make bread. It was also used as a medicine to help an upset stomach and to heal wounds. People burned it in lamps and used it to make perfumes. Oil had many uses, so the widow would have been able to sell it to pay for all the debts! 

OIL RESIST JAR CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

Check out Elisha and the Jars of Oil for Older Kids for a simple yet fun craft. In this craft, kids will use a light-colored oil pastel to draw shapes, patterns, and designs on a template picture of a jar. Once they are happy with their designs, they will use watercolor paints to paint over them.

The oil pastel will resist the paint, and the pastel color will pop. This creates a beautiful effect that makes each jar look unique and vibrant. It’s a great way to reinforce the Bible story while letting kids express their creativity.

“WE CAN SEEK GOD FOR HELP” CRAFT FOR YOUNGER KIDS

While learning about the story of Elisha and the Jars of Oil, it’s important to help kids make the connection that God will help them, too. God is always with us, and we can seek God for help. Discuss things God can help us with. For example, He can bring peace when we feel anxious, make us brave, etc.

After brainstorming, kids can draw pictures of things discussed in a jar template in Elisha and the Jars of Oil for Preschool. They could also simply decorate the jars to remind us that we can seek God's help.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT ELISHA AND THE JARS OF OIL

• Make Clay Jars: Use air-drying clay and challenge kids to make unique jars. Teach kids how to mold the clay and give them creative license to design!

• Find the Jars: Print out pictures of jars (or get small jars from the Dollar Store). Then hide them around the room. Challenge kids to find as many jars as possible, just like the widow in the story had to gather them.

• Sensory Bin: Gather measuring cups, colored water, jars, plastic bins, and funnels. Let kids fill the jars and cups to the brim. Help kids connect this activity to the story.

• Water Relay Race: Create a simple relay race where kids race to pour water from a smaller container into a larger one! This will excite kids about filling containers, like the widow filled containers with oil.  For more water relay ideas, check out The Barefoot Mom.

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?

This lesson is part of an eight-week series on Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elijah and the Prophets of Baal, Naaman is Healed, Esther the Brave Queen, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Joshua and Jericho, David and Goliath, and Jonah. 

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for little kids in preschool/kindergarten and bigger kids in first, second, and third grades.

The story of Elisha and the Jars of Oil is an excellent reminder of God’s faithfulness and the importance of obedience. Many crafts and activities help make this story come to life, whether at home, in Sunday School, or in a faith-based school.

The story of Naaman’s healing can help children learn about faith, obedience, and God’s healing power. Many engaging and kid-friendly ideas exist to bring this Bible story to life, from fun videos and printable lesson plans to creative activities and crafts. Whether you're a homeschooler, Sunday School teacher, or work at a faith-based school, these resources will make it easy to teach the story of Naaman in a way that captures kids' attention and helps them remember the message.

THE STORY OF NAAMAN

This story can be found in 2 Kings 5:1-19. Naaman was a great and powerful man, but he had leprosy. His servant girl told him about a prophet named Elisha who could help. Naaman traveled to Israel to find Elisha, and he was told to wash in the Jordan River seven times to be healed.

At first, Naaman was angry and didn’t want to do it, but his servants encouraged him to try. Naaman did as Elisha instructed, and washed in the Jordan River seven times. He was, then, healed of his leprosy. 

Naaman is Healed - Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the story of Naaman’s healing? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3 to 8.

(Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version)

Click here for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT NAAMAN’S HEALING

Leprosy is a very contagious disease. Today, there are medicines to cure leprosy. In Biblical times, there was no cure for the disease. If someone got leprosy, they were cast out of society and could not participate in the community. This meant they couldn’t go to the market, the temple, or (in many cases) be with their families. Often, lepers would have to ring a bell and announce that they were ‘unclean’ so other people would know to stay away.

Naaman was a man of great power and wealth. Because of this, he was allowed to stay in his own home, but he probably had to live in a separate part of the house so he wouldn’t get close to his family and infect them. 

SPINNER CRAFT - the story of naaman

Retelling stories is a great skill for kids of all ages. A spinner craft is a fun tool to help facilitate this skill and also help kids when parents ask, “What did you learn today?”

Using the pieces provided, kids will create a simple spinner that shows the four main parts of the story:

•  Naaman had leprosy

• The servant girl told him to see Elisha

• Elisha told Naaman to wash in the Jordan River seven times

• Naaman washed seven times and was healed

Use the template found in Naaman is Healed for Preschool for younger kids. This template has pictures that kids can color. 

For older kids, use the template in Naaman is Healed for Older Kids. The printable lesson has a few craft templates to choose from. You can have your class complete a blank version and draw their own pictures, or assemble the completed version. It just depends on how much time you have!

Divide the kids into pairs or small groups when they finish their spinners. Help them practice telling the story to their group or partner.

WASHING IN THE RIVER ACTIVITY

Naaman had to wash in the river seven times to be healed from his leprosy. To reenact this, do a simple activity where kids wash a transparent figure in a dish filled with water. This activity is outlined in Naaman is Healed for Older Kids.

Draw a small person on a piece of plastic using a permanent marker. Allowed at least an hour for the person to dry. Then have kids use a wet-erase marker to draw marks all over the person.  

Take turns washing the transparent person, just like Naaman was washed in the story.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT THE HEALING OF NAAMAN

• Simon Says: Naaman wanted to be healed, but first, he had to obey Elisha's instructions. Play a game of Simon Says and help kids understand that they are following instructions, just like Naaman had to do in the story. To further connect to the story, you could instruct the kids to do each action seven times, just like Naaman!

• “Good News” Chain: The servant girl in the story showed kindness to Naaman by telling him about God and Elisha. Have kids make paper chains and on each link of the chain, write the name of someone they can show kindness to or someone they can tell about the Good News of Jesus.

• Decorate Soap Dispensers: Purchase inexpensive soap dispensers from the Dollar Store. Then, give children supplies to decorate their soap dispensers, such as markers, paints, tissue paper, glue, etc. Then, write “God washes us Clean.” 

• Healing of Naaman Sensory Bins: Gather supplies like toy figures, cups, and bubbles. Then, have kids reenact the story using figurines and washing them seven times.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE HEALING OF NAAMAN

YouTube can be a great resource for helping kids visualize a story. But be sure to preview all videos you intend to show to ensure they are age-appropriate and match what you want to teach. Here are a couple of suggestions:

• Naaman is Healed by Saddleback Kids

• God’s Story: Naaman by Crossroad Kids’ Club  

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?

This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elijah and the Prophets of Baal, Elisha and the Widow’s Oil, Esther the Brave Queen, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Joshua and Jericho, David and Goliath, and Jonah. 

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners and for older children in first, second, and third grades.

There are many fun and engaging ways to teach the story of Naaman’s Healing. This story is a beautiful reminder of God’s healing power and the importance of obedience. 

Daniel and the Lions’ Den is a favorite story for many kids. It highlights the importance of prayer, trusting in God’s protection, and standing up for what is right even when it’s hard. There are many engaging ways to bring this Bible story to life through fun crafts and activities, printable lesson plans, and kid-friendly YouTube videos. Perfect for Sunday school, homeschool, or faith-based schools, these creative resources help children understand the courage and faith Daniel showed as he chose to honor God no matter what.

The Story of Daniel in the Lions’ Den

The story of Daniel and the Lions’ Den is found in Daniel 6. Daniel was a trusted advisor to King Darius, and some of the other advisors were jealous. They tried to catch Daniel doing something wrong, but he consistently chose to do the right thing. They went to the King and had him decree that people could only pray to him for 30 days. If anyone disobeyed, they would be thrown into the lions’ den.

Daniel refused to listen to this decree, knowing what Scripture said about prayer. He continued to pray to God, and the advisors informed the king. 

Greatly saddened, the king had Daniel thrown into the lions’ den. But God sent an angel to protect Daniel and shut the lions' mouths. Daniel was safe all night, and the king was relieved to find Daniel unharmed the next morning. After this, the king changed the decree that people should only pray to God. 

Daniel and the Lions’ Den - Bible Lessons for Kids

Check out a simple way to teach the story of Daniel and the Lions’ Den. Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for the preschool/kindergarten version)

Click here for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version

Background Information About Daniel and the Lions’ Den

Daniel was a Jew living in Babylon because, when he was a boy, he was captured and taken from his family. He went to work in the palace and over time became a well-respected person of authority.  

Daniel worked in the palace for so long that he worked for four different kings: Nebuchadnezzar, Belshazzar, Darius, and Cyrus. Daniel would have been around 80 years old when he was thrown into the lions’ den.

3D LIONS’ MANE CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

Daniel and the Lions’ Den is a story that awes kids (and adults). The idea of someone surviving a night in a den of lions is truly a miracle. So, making a lion craft is a great way to remind children of how God rescued Daniel.

Cut strips of orange and yellow construction paper. Kids will use these to construct the lion’s mane. Using the template pieces provided in Daniel and the Lions’ Den for Older Kids, have kids glue the orange and yellow strips in a circle; then glue the lion’s head on top. The strips of construction paper will make the mane look 3D.

BUILD THE LIONS’ DEN SCENE CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

Younger kids will enjoy recreating a scene of the lions’ den. Use the printable pieces from Daniel in the Lions’ Den for Preschool, and have kids place their pieces on the scene. This is also a great opportunity for kids to practice their cutting and gluing skills. However, you will likely need to cut out the pieces for the youngest children ahead of time.

Other Activities to Teach About Daniel and the Lions’ Den

• Paper Plate Lion: Check out Kids Kubby for a super cute paper plate lion craft that uses strips of construction paper, some paint, and a paper plate.

• Lion Mask: Or follow these instructions from Handmade Charlotte for turning a paper plate lion into a mask.

• Pin the Teeth on the Lion: Quickly draw a lion on the whiteboard or on a large piece of paper. It doesn’t have to be an incredible piece of art. The kids won’t care what the lion looks like! Then cut out some triangles from white paper. These are the teeth. Give each child a “tooth” and have them take turns wearing a blindfold. Their task is to get all the teeth into the lion’s mouth.

• Praying Hands Craft: Prayer is a key part of this story because Daniel prayed, and God answered. Follow these simple instructions from First Miami Kids to create a praying hand craft.

YouTube Videos About Daniel and the Lions’ Den

Daniel and the Lions’ Den is a classic favorite story for kids of all ages, so there are many YouTube videos you could watch. But I always recommend previewing the videos first to make sure they are age-appropriate, accurate, and match the themes you are teaching. Here are some suggestions:

• God’s Story: Daniel and the Lions’ Den by Crossroad Kids

• Daniel in the Lions’ Den by Saddleback Kids

• Daniel and the Lions’ Den by VeggieTales

• Daniel and the Lions’ Den by The Beginners Bible is a 30-minute episode that tells more of Daniel’s story and the part about the lions’ den.

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?

This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elijah and the Prophets of Baal, Elisha and the Widow’s Oil, Esther the Brave Queen, Naaman is Healed, Joshua and Jericho, David and Goliath, and Jonah.

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners and for older children in first, second, and third grades.

Daniel and the Lions’ Den is a great story to teach about prayer, obedience, and God’s faithfulness. Take time to help kids engage in the story with fun activities and crafts. Which will you be trying? 

The dramatic story of Elijah and the Prophets of Baal is a powerful way to show kids that God is the One True God who listens and answers prayer. Found in 1 Kings 18, this exciting showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal captures children's attention with fire, bold faith, and God's miraculous power. Keep reading to find creative and kid-friendly ways to bring this story to life—including engaging videos, hands-on activities and crafts, and printable lesson plans that help make the message memorable and meaningful for young learners.

WHO WAS ELIJAH?

Elijah was a prophet of God. A prophet was a chosen messenger who would deliver God’s messages to the people of Israel. God often used prophets to guide, warn, or encourage His people, especially when they were not following His ways. Elijah’s job was to speak boldly for God, even when it was hard or dangerous.

THE STORY of elijah on mount carmel

King Ahab and Queen Jezebel did not love God. Queen Jezebel hated the prophets of God and had many of them killed. There were still some Israelites who loved and followed God, but many were turning to the false gods of Jezebel and Ahab.

Elijah confronted Ahab. Elijah told Ahab to gather all Israel at Mount Carmel, along with the 450 prophets of Baal and the 400 prophets of Asherah. Elijah had everyone come to the mountain to see if God or Baal was the true God.

The prophets of Baal took a turn. They built an altar, prepared an offering, and called upon Baal, but nothing happened.

Elijah took a turn; he repaired the altar of God that had been torn down, prepared an offering, and dug a trench around the altar. Then he poured buckets of water onto the offering and the altar. The trench was full of water. After all that, he prayed, and God sent fire from heaven that burned up the offering, the wood, the stones, the water, and even the dust.

Elijah and the Prophets of Baal - Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the story of Elijah and the Prophets of Baal? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3 to 8.

(Click HERE for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grade version)

Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT ELIJAH AND THE FIRE FROM HEAVEN

Elijah’s prayer was only 32 words in Hebrew! God showed His power by sending fire from heaven. The fire was so powerful that it burned up the water and the altar. This story helps to show that we do not need to have many words when we pray; God is not impressed by a long prayer or one with fancy words. He wants to know our hearts. We serve a powerful God! 

BUILD AN ALTAR CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

Fire mesmerizes anyone who looks at it. Imagine what it would have been like to have the entire sacrifice, altar, and water consumed by a fire from heaven! This would have been a fear-inducing, spectacular sight.

To help kids visualize this craft, create a simple altar and fire craft using the printable altar from Elijah and the Prophets of Baal for Preschool and some colored tissue paper. Glue red, orange, and yellow tissue paper to the altar template. Be sure to use long strips of tissue paper to better depict the fire coming from heaven.

PAINTING FIRE FROM HEAVEN FOR OLDER KIDS

Older kids will enjoy the challenge of painting fire on and around the altar scene in Elijah and the Prophets of Baal for Older Kids. Have kids color the mountain scene and glue on Elijah and the altar.

Then have kids use paints to add fire. Be sure to give them creative license to paint the fire using their imagination. Who knows what they might come up with? 

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT ELIJAH AND THE PROPHETS OF BAAL

• Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament: There are several versions of Rock, Paper, Scissors. Pick the version you like, and have everyone pair off. Have each pair play three times, and the person who wins twice will move on to the next round. Continue doing this until there is one winner. Be sure to help kids make the connection that the scenario on Mount Carmel was a challenge to see who would be the champion: God or Baal. 

• “The Lord—He is God.” Banners: At the end of the Mount Carmel showdown, the people saw God as the One True God. Make a banner saying “The Lord- He is God!” and have kids decorate it using paints, stickers, coloring materials, and anything else you can think of. This is a great way to celebrate God's greatness.

• Water Relay Race: Create a simple relay race where kids have to race to add water to the altar! Have kids run back and forth to fill the “altar” (a bucket or tub) with water. Be sure to talk about how only God would have been able to make water catch fire, like in the story. Or check out some other water relay race ideas from The Barefoot Mom.

• “Light the Altar” Flashlight Game: Using real fire when retelling this story might not be the safest option, but using flashlights can bring the story to life! Give each kid a flashlight (or take turns if you don’t have enough). Set a chair up as a pretend altar and turn out the lights. Read the story, and when it comes to the part where fire comes down from heaven, have kids turn on their flashlights and light up the chair. 

• Sing Songs to Worship God: There are some fabulous songs about the greatness of God. Take some time to sing them with your kids. Here are a few suggestions:

• Our God is an Awesome God by Phil Wickham

• Awesome God by Hillsong UNITED

• How Great is Our God by Yancy and Friends

• My God is so Big by LifeKids

YouTube videos about Elijah and the prophets of Baal

Below are some suggestions for YouTube videos about this story. Please preview any videos you show your kids to ensure they are age-appropriate and match what you want to teach.

• Crossroad Kids’ Club God’s Story: Elijah or Elijah and the Prophets of Baal: Storytellers

• Elijah on Mount Carmel: Slapstick Theatre by Saddleback Kids

• Elijah and the Contest on Mount Carmel by LifeKids

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT PROPHETS, KINGS, AND QUEENS?

This lesson is part of an eight-week series on the Old Testament Prophets, Kings, and Queens. The other stories include Elisha and Jars of Oil, Naaman is Healed, Esther the Brave Queen, Daniel in the Lions’ Den, Joshua and Jericho, David and Goliath, and Jonah. 

These lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for little kids in preschool/kindergarten and bigger kids in first, second, and third grades.

Kids will enjoy learning about Elijah and the Prophets of Baal with these engaging activities, crafts, and lesson ideas. They will also remember that the Lord is the One True God who hears and answers prayer.

Teaching kids about the life of Jesus can be both meaningful and fun when paired with hands-on learning. In this round-up, you’ll find five engaging Sunday School lessons, complete with scripted stories, simple crafts, games, and activities that have been designed for preschool through third grade. From Jesus at the Temple as a boy to His baptism, the widow’s offering, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Lord’s Prayer, each post is packed with creative ways to help kids understand who Jesus is and why His words still matter today.

WHO IS JESUS?

Jesus is the Son of God. He loved people wherever he went and taught people the importance of loving God and loving people.

How do you explain Jesus to a child?

Jesus talked about the importance of having a child-like faith. So, explaining Jesus to a child doesn’t have to be complicated. They will understand the simple concepts of Jesus and his great love for people.

Jesus is God's Son—He is both fully God and fully human. He was born in Bethlehem to Mary, a human mother; Joseph was his earthly father. Jesus was perfect and never sinned. During his life, Jesus taught people about God’s love, did amazing miracles like healing people and calming storms, and spent time with everyone, even those others ignored. He is the most important part of God’s story because he died on the cross for our sins and came back to life, so we can be forgiven and be part of God’s forever family.

Where are stories about Jesus found in the bible?

The entire Bible points to Jesus, but you can find stories of Jesus’ life in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

JESUS VISITS THE TEMPLE AS A BOY

There aren’t many stories about Jesus as a child, so this story allows kids to be curious about what Jesus was like when he was their age. Jesus and his family went to Jerusalem for the Passover celebration. At the end of the celebration, his family started to travel home, but Jesus stayed behind. His parents couldn’t find him anywhere, but eventually found him in the temple learning from the religious leaders. This story helps kids understand Jesus’ wisdom, obedience, and desire to learn more about God. 

There are many great activities to teach about Jesus as a boy in the temple. Jesus was in the temple asking the religious leaders questions. Encourage kids that asking questions is a good thing; take time to have kids journal about their questions. Challenge kids to create a LEGO and play-dough diorama of the story. You’ll also find several printable craft options in Jesus Visits the Temple Bible Lessons for Kids, including a printable craft where kids create a temple with doors that open to reveal Jesus inside the temple.

JESUS IS BAPTIZED

Jesus set us an example when he was baptized by his cousin, John the Baptist. Baptism is an important practice of our faith, so teaching this story naturally lends to conversations about what baptism looks like today. 

Jesus is Baptized Bible Lessons for Kids has many ideas for teaching this story, including a printable popsicle stick craft for preschoolers. You’ll also find YouTube video ideas, printable lesson plans, and an activity to help facilitate discussion about “What does baptism look like in my church?” Other ideas to teach this story include water relays, a baptism sensory bin, and more!

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

The Sermon on the Mount is the longest recorded sermon Jesus gave. It’s also, arguably, the most famous. It covers many topics, including humility, prayer, loving God, and loving people. 

There are many ways to teach about the Sermon on the Mount. Brainstorm ways kids can show simple acts of kindness to those around them. Eat salty snacks and discuss being the “salt of the earth”. Create a “Beatitudes Matching Game” and have kids match the blessing and the promise for each beatitude statement. For more information on these and other ideas, check out The Sermon on the Mount Bible Lessons for Kids. You’ll also find a “Light of the World” printable paper lantern template. 

JESUS TEACHES US TO PRAY

Jesus taught us how to pray in the Sermon on the Mount. The Lord’s Prayer is a beautiful framework for prayer. Prayer is vital to a relationship with God, so take time to teach this important practice.

There are many activities to help make this story come to life. Check out The Lord’s Prayer Bible Lessons for Kids for ideas like songs to help kids memorize the Lord’s Prayer, a paper crown craft that goes with the “thy kingdom come” part of the prayer, and a snack that goes with the “daily bread” part of the prayer. You’ll also find a printable prayer journal suitable for preschool and one for older kids. And don’t forget to check out the Whole Hand Prayer printable lesson designed to give kids a simple framework for their prayer time, instead of just praying a long list of things they need from God.  

THE WIDOW’S OFFERING

The Widow’s Offering is a story about a generous heart, full of worship. Jesus and his disciples were in the temple watching people put money into the treasury. Many people put great sums of money in, and then a poor widow put in two small coins. She was praised for giving more than everyone else because she gave everything she had.

There are many ways to teach this story and help kids learn the importance of a generous and worshipful heart. Set up coin stations and challenge kids to do activities like a coin toss, coin rubbings, and coin estimations. Take time to brainstorm ideas of things kids can give to God (hint: they can give God more than just money!). Create a coin pouch made of felt and string. For more information on these, as well as a printable treasure chest craft, check out The Widow’s Offering Bible Lessons for Kids.

a whole year of bible lessons for kids

These lessons about the life of Jesus are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for little kids in preschool/kindergarten and bigger kids in first, second, and third grades. Don’t miss checking out the complete curriculum at a deep discount.

Teaching the Sermon on the Mount to kids can be both meaningful and memorable with the right tools! Whether you're leading a Sunday School class, homeschooling, or teaching in a faith-based school, there are lots of engaging ideas to help children understand Jesus' powerful message from Matthew 5–7. Keep reading for hands-on crafts, fun activities, kid-friendly YouTube videos, and printable lesson plans designed to bring the Beatitudes and other key teachings to life in a way kids can understand and apply.

THE STORY of the sermon on the mount

Word about Jesus had spread, and great crowds gathered around him. Jesus went up a mountainside and sat down to teach the people. His words are recorded in Matthew 5-7. 

He started his teaching with the Beatitudes, which are blessings for people who are humble, merciful, pure, peaceful, and seeking God. He also taught about prayer, loving your enemies, loving God, and treating others with respect. 

He ended his teachings with the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders.

The Sermon on the Mount, Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach about the Sermon on the Mount? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3 to 8.

(Click here for 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade version)

Click here for preschool/kindergarten

BACKGROUND INFORMATION about THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

The Sermon on the Mount is arguably the most well-known sermon from Jesus. It is also the longest recorded sermon Jesus gave.

People were used to living religious lives; they knew the rules to follow and followed them. Many people, including the religious leaders, had a lot of pride because they thought they followed the rules perfectly. But Jesus was inviting people to a new way of thinking. We follow rules not to earn God’s love, but because we love God. We follow the rules not to earn people’s love but because we want to show people love.

Jesus lived out the words of this sermon. Jesus helped people, showed love to people, and showed love for God in all his actions. 

SIMPLE ACTS OF KINDNESS CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

Simple cards for preschoolers to share with friends and neighbors.

The Sermon on the Mount tells us that we are the light of the world. When we are kind and loving to others, they can know how kind and loving God is. It’s spreading light in the world.

There are many simple ways we can show kindness to those around us. Holding a door open for someone, smiling, giving compliments, or helping someone with a task are all great ways to show kindness. Another way to share God’s love is to give someone a card, like the ones found in The Sermon on the Mount for Preschool.

Encourage kids to take time to color, decorate, add stickers, or write messages in their cards. Then give the cards to someone they want to share the love of God with.

LIGHT OF THE WORLD LANTERN CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

Jesus said, “...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 NIV). Bring in different types of lanterns or pictures of lanterns to show kids. Be sure to talk about how lanterns cast light into dark places, just like we are supposed to cast God’s love throughout the world.

Then, using the template pieces provided in The Sermon on the Mount for Older Kids, create paper lanterns. This craft involves cutting and gluing the pieces together. For a glowing effect, add the provided bottom piece to the lantern and insert a glow stick or electric candle inside. Turn out the lights and try it out!

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

• Beautitudes Matching Game: Each beatitude (found in Matthew 5:3-11) comes with a “Blessed be…” statement and a promise. Challenge kids to match the “blessed be” statements with the corresponding promises. For example, “Blessed are the poor in spirit” would be matched with “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven”. This could also become a tool to help kids memorize this passage of Scripture.

• Salt Shaker Craft: Find some inexpensive salt shakers at the Dollar store. Fill them with salt and have kids glue a piece of paper with Matthew 5:13 onto the salt shaker. “You are the salt of the earth.” This simple craft will be a visual reminder to ‘remain salty’.

• Salt of the World Snack: Bring some salty snacks into class and, while the kids eat, discuss how salt affects things. Discuss how we can be “salt” to the world. Some ideas for salt snacks could be chips, pretzels, or salted crackers.

• “Jesus Said” Paper Chain: Take some of the more popular things that Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount (or some of the lesser-known ones). Write these on strips of paper and create a paper chain. Discuss with kids that we can’t pick and choose which of Jesus’ teachings we follow; we need to follow all of them. When we pick and choose which things to follow, it's like the paper chain falling apart because one of the links is missing. We need to put all Jesus’ words into practice, not just the convenient ones.

• The Lord’s Prayer: Another aspect of Jesus’ sermon was the Lord’s Prayer. For crafts and activities related to this teaching, check out Jesus Teaches Us to Pray" Bible Lessons for Kids.

• Wise and Foolish Builder: Jesus ended the Sermon on the Mount with a parable. For crafts and activities about this parable, check out The Wise and Foolish Builder Bible Lessons for Kids.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

These videos make a great addition to a Bible lesson about the Sermon on the Mount. Please be sure to preview any video before showing it to children.

• Crossroads Kids’ Club has several videos:

  • God’s Story: Sermon on the Mount

  • God’s Story Sermon on the Mount - The Beatitudes

  • God’s Story: Sermon on the Mount - Give Your Worries to God

  • God’s Story: Sermon on the Mount - Turn the Other Cheek

•  The Sermon on the Mount by Minno Bible Stories for Kids

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT JESUS’ LIFE?

This lesson is part of a five-week series on stories from Jesus’ life. The other stories include Jesus as a Boy in the Temple, Jesus is Baptized, The Sermon on the Mount, The Widow’s Offering, and Jesus Teaches Us to Pray.

These Stories about Jesus lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for little kids in preschool/kindergarten and bigger kids in first, second, and third grades.

These Stories about Jesus lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners, and older children in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grades.

Teaching the Sermon on the Mount is a great way to teach kids about Jesus’ messages of love, faith, and justice. These activities and crafts will help kids engage with these teachings and hopefully learn how to live them out!