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.

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. 

Looking for engaging and interactive ways to teach kids in preschool through third grade the stories of Moses from the book of Exodus? There are many ways to make these Old Testament stories come alive, including kid-friendly videos, creative crafts, hands-on activities, and printable lesson plans. Whether you're exploring Baby Moses in a basket, the Ten Plagues of Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, or the Ten Commandments, these resources will help make the stories of Exodus engaging for young learners.

What is the Exodus?

“Exodus” comes from the Greek word exodos, which means "the road out.” The book of Exodus tells how God rescued the Israelite people through Moses and is filled with stories of God’s provision.

Four print-and-go Bible Lessons for Kids about Moses

Don’t miss these scripted lessons, printable crafts, and take-home coloring pages, which make it easy to teach about the story of Moses to children from preschool through third grade.

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

Shop the Lessons for Preschool/Kindergarten

The birth of moses - a baby in a basket

Printable Moses craft for kids.

The birth of Moses is a story surrounded by pain and loss because so many Israelite babies were killed. But it’s also a story of intense love and determination from Moses’ family and incredible compassion from the Pharoah’s daughter.

There are many ways to make this story memorable for kids. Do a sink or float experiment and discuss how Jochebed made Moses’ little basket float by lining it with tar to keep it waterproof. Paint a watercolor river scene or weave baskets together. Be sure to check out The Birth of Moses for more ideas, including a printable craft of Moses in the basket hiding the reeds!

The Ten Plagues of egypt

The Ten Plagues of Egypt printable craft for kids in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades. See it here.

Because of Pharoah’s hard heart, God showed His immense power through ten plagues. The story of the Ten Plagues is awe-inspiring for kids as they learn about the power of God, and it also shows God’s great care for His family (which we are a part of through Jesus!)

Check out The Ten Plagues for fun activities to teach this story, including printable lesson plans, a Pharoah and Moses puppet craft, ideas for ten plague obstacle courses, and Ten Plague sensory bins.

a miracle at the Red Sea

Moses Parts the Red Sea printable craft for kids in preschool and kindergarten.

After Pharaoh finally let God’s people go, they came up against another obstacle at the Red Sea. However, this obstacle was the ultimate showcase of God’s power. Using Moses, God parted the Red Sea so His people could walk to safety on dry land.

Many children love learning about the incredible miracle at the Red Sea. This awe-inspiring story can be taught in many ways, including science experiments, games, obstacle courses, YouTube videos, and crafts. Check out Moses and the Red Sea for more information on these activities, including a printable craft where kids can create 3D water walls using curled paper of blue tissue paper.

The Ten Commandments 

The Ten Commandments printable craft for preschool and kindergarten.

Rules surround us. And that’s exponentially more true for kids. They have so many rules they need to learn and follow. So, talking about the Ten Commandments might feel cumbersome for some kids until they understand that these laws are about having a right relationship with God and others.

Try teaching the Ten Commandments through a memory game or songs to make learning about them meaningful and engaging. Or construct a simple printable Ten Commandments craft . For the template to this craft, and other ideas, check out The Ten Commandments.

a full year of bible lessons for kids

These lessons about the life of Moses 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.

The story of Moses and the Israelites, as told in Exodus, is an exciting way for kids to learn about God’s promises and provision for His people. Whether you’re a Sunday school teacher or parent or work at a faith-based school, these ideas will help you make the stories in Exodus memorable for your kids.

Teaching the Ten Commandments to kids can be fun and meaningful with the right resources. By incorporating kid-friendly videos, crafts, activities, and printable lesson plans, you can make these timeless lessons come alive for young learners. These creative approaches will help children understand the importance of each commandment while having fun and staying engaged. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or children's ministry leader, this blog offers practical ideas for bringing the Ten Commandments to life in a memorable and impactful way.

What are the ten commandments in kid-friendly terms?

The Ten Commandments poster is available in the Bible for Bigger Kids lesson.

When I teach the Ten Commandments to kids, especially the littlest ones in preschool and kindergarten, I share God’s commandments in kid-friendly terms. This helps the kids understand the commandments and keeps our conversation at an age-appropriate level.

Some of the commandments are for adults and don’t need to be explained in nitty-gritty detail to three- and four-year-olds.

Here’s each of the commandments (taken from the NIV Bible) broken down into kid-friendly terms.

1. You shall have no other gods before me - Love God and put Him first.

2. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything - You should only worship God.

3. You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God - Say God’s name with love and respect.

4. Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy - Rest one day a week and keep it holy.

5. Honor your father and your mother - Obey your parents.

6. You shall not murder - Do not hurt anyone.

7. You shall not commit adultery - Keep your wedding promises.

8. You shall not steal - Do not steal anything.

9. You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor - Tell the truth.

10. You shall not covet - Don’t wish for what others have.

The Ten Commandments Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the Ten Commandments to kids? Check out our scripted lessons, discussion questions, and printable crafts. Perfect for kids aged 3-8.

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

click here for preschool/kindergarten version

where are the ten commandments found in the bible?

The story of the Ten Commandments can be found in Exodus 19 and 20. About three months after leaving Egypt, the people camped near Mount Sinai. God descended onto the mountain in a cloud. Moses then went up and down Mount Sinai, hearing what God had to say and telling the people about it. Along with other instructions outlined in Exodus 20-31, God gave Moses the Ten Commandments, which he wrote on two stone tablets. God’s people were to follow these foundational laws, which we still follow today!

BACKGROUND INFORMATION FOR THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

Did you know God had to write the commandments on the stone tablets twice? While Moses was on top of the mountain, the people became impatient. They had Aaron (Moses’ brother) form a golden calf to worship. After God had finished writing the commandments on the tablets for the first time, Moses walked down the mountain, saw the golden calf, and was enraged. He threw the tablets onto the ground, and they broke. Exodus 32 tells the whole story of the golden calf.

Later, in Exodus 34, God wrote the commandments again on two new tablets. 

TEN COMMANDMENT CUT AND GLUE CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOLERS

The printable Ten Commandments craft for kids in preschool and kindergarten.

Sometimes, the language used around the Ten Commandments can be confusing. Coveting? What exactly does that mean? Adultery? How do you explain that in kid-friendly terms?

Younger kids will love this simple cut-and-glue Ten Commandments craft that uses kid-friendly language. Kids will cut out each of the ten commandments. Then, they’ll glue them onto a printable stone table. Each of the printable pieces is available in color or greyscale in the lesson The Ten Commandments for Preschoolers.

TEN COMMANDMENT CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

The printable Ten Commandments craft for bigger kids in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades.

We also complete a ten commandments craft in the Bible lesson for bigger kids in first, second, and third grades. At this level, you can use your discretion and teach the commandments in kid-friendly terms or teach them directly from your preferred translation of the Bible.

The printable craft pieces (and posters) in this lesson come in multiple versions, so you can choose the one that works best for your group of students.

The Ten Commandments for Older Kids includes two versions of the craft pictured here. Version one (pictured) includes words and pictures, and version two leaves space for kids to draw their own illustrations of each commandment.

OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHING THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

• Brown Paper Bag Tablets: Cut a brown paper bag (or brown construction paper) into two stone tablet shapes. Then, use markers to write the Ten Commandments on the tablets. Crumple the brown paper to give it an “old-stone” effect. For more detailed instructions, check out Crayola’s Ten Commandments Craft

• Ten Commandment Memory: Create a simple memory game where kids must match the command with its meaning. For example, “Do not covet” means “Don’t envy what someone else has,” and “Do not steal” means “Don’t take what isn’t yours.” You’ll have to be careful with the definitions you choose for adultery, depending on the age level of your kids. You might want to try “Staying faithful to your marriage vows” or “keeping your marriage promises.”

• Ten Commandment Songs: There are several catchy songs that you could sing with your kids to teach them the Ten Commandments. Here are some fun ones

• Ten Commandments by KidVue  

• The Perfect Ten, sung by Rudy Micelli

• Go Fish Kids Music’s Ten Commandment Boogie ​​

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

As always, make sure to preview any videos your show your kids, but here are some ideas:

• Kids on the Move: The Ten Commandments Message discusses the Ten Commandments and how God gave them to the Israelites so He could have a relationship with them.

• Saddleback Kids: Moses in the Wilderness - This video starts with the Israelites grumbling and receiving manna. The end of the video is about the Ten Commandments. 

• Crossroad Kids: Ten Commandments and the Golden Calf

WANT MORE MOSES BIBLE LESSONS FOR KIDS?

Continue the learning with more lessons about Moses. This lesson is part of a four-week series about Moses. These lessons about Moses are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for little kids in preschool/kindergarten and bigger kids in first, second, and third grades.

Whether you’re a parent, Sunday School teacher, or teacher at a faith-based school, there are plenty of great ways to teach kids that the Ten Commandments are more than just rules. They are guidelines for showing love to God and to others.

Teaching the Bible story of Moses and the Red Sea is a powerful way to help kids understand God’s protection, faithfulness, and miracles. Whether you're a Sunday school teacher, homeschool parent, or work at a faith-based school, engaging kids with creative videos, hands-on activities, fun crafts, and printable lesson plans can bring this incredible story to life. In this blog, you'll find exciting ideas to make learning about Moses, the Israelites, and the Red Sea crossing memorable and meaningful for children of all ages.

What’s the story of Moses at the red sea?

Exodus 14:1-31 tells the story of the Parting of the Red Sea. Pharaoh finally allowed the Israelites to leave Egypt, and Moses led them away. However, it didn’t take long for Pharaoh to change his mind and send his army after them. The Israelites were trapped, with the Red Sea in front of them and Pharaoh’s army behind them.

God told Moses to raise his staff. The Red Sea parted, creating a dry path for the Israelites to cross. Once the Israelites were all safe on the other side, God caused the sea to rush back and drown the army pursuing them.

Parting of the Red Sea Bible Lesson for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the story of the miracle at the Red Sea? Check out our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable craft. Perfect for kids aged 3-8.

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

Click here for the preschool/kindergarten version

BACKGROUND INFORMATION about THE MIRACLE AT THE RED SEA

There were about 2 million Israelite people who needed to cross the Red Sea, along with all their animals. This would have taken many hours! God protected His people while they were crossing by using a pillar of cloud to block the Egyptians’ view. 

The Israelites were in awe of what God had done, and they stopped to sing a song to the Lord after safely crossing the sea. God is worthy of our praise!

ACROSS THE RED SEA CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Kids in preschool and kindergarten will love this simple craft that shows Moses and the Israelites crossing on dry land at the Red Sea.

Moses and the Red Sea printable craft for kids in preschool and kindergarten.

This printable craft can be completed using only the pieces provided in the Moses and the Red Sea Bible Lesson for Preschoolers, plus a pair of scissors and a glue stick! It’s a great option for those times you can’t gather any extra craft pieces.

Once you’ve printed out a set of pieces (dry land, water, Moses, and God’s people), have kids color each one and cut them out. Then, glue down the pieces to create a scene of the Red Sea crossing!

This craft comes in two versions, black and white and full-color.

ACROSS THE RED SEA CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

Moses and the Red Sea printable craft for bigger kids in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades.

Kids in first, second, and third grades can make a slightly more challenging craft found using the printable pieces found in the Bible lesson Moses and the Red Sea for Older Kids. This craft uses a few additional craft supplies.

First, roll two pieces of blue construction paper into a tube shape to curl the paper. Then cut small slits into half of the paper. Glue these down to be the walls of water on either side of the dry path. Then, use the printable pieces provided to add the people crossing the Red Sea. 

OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR TEACHING THE PARTING OF THE RED SEA

• Gratitude Journal: The Israelites were rescued from an impossible situation. While we might not face the Red Sea, we sometimes have hard times before us. Have kids write about how they need God’s help and pray for His help. You’ll find a writing prompt template in Moses and the Red Sea for Older Kids.

• Parting the Sea Game: Teach kids a simple game in which they line up in the center of the learning space. Call out “Part the Sea” and have them act like the waves, parting to either side of the room. 

• Pillar of Clouds Game: This game works best if kids have a large area to run around and the space is clear of obstacles. Have one kid be the leader. They will move around the classroom like the Pillar of Cloud, and the other kids will follow the leader.

• Oil and Water Experiment: Add water to a clear bowl. Then, add oil to the bowl so kids can see how the oil and water separate. 

• Pepper and Soap Experiment: Sprinkle pepper across the top of the water. Then, add a few drops of soap to the water. The pepper will repel away from the soap, causing a “splitting” effect. Follow the instructions from Fun Learning for Kids. This fun experiment will lend to a discussion about God parting the Red Sea. 

• Red Sea Obstacle Course: Create a simple obstacle course in which kids get from one side of the room to the other by going through cones or chairs representing the parted sea. To add a challenge, have kids carry things like piles of clothing, stuffed animals, or other small objects, representing how the Israelites would have had their animals and belongings with them while crossing the Red Sea.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT Moses and the red sea

There are many videos on YouTube for the Parting of the Red Sea story. Some go into more detail than others and show images of the water rushing over the Egyptians. Be sure to preview all movies to make sure they are appropriate for your age groups.

• Moses and the Red Sea by Saddleback Kids

• God’s Story: The Red Sea by Crossroad Kids’ Club

• Storytellers: The Red Sea by Crossroad Kids’ Club

• The Beginner’s Bible's The Story of Moses is a longer video that tells the whole story of Moses.

Need more BIBLE LESSONS FOR KIDS?

Continue your learning with more lessons about Moses. This lesson is part of a four-week series about Moses that also includes The Birth of Moses, The Ten Plagues of Egypt, and the Ten Commandments.

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

Teaching kids about the Parting of the Red Sea can be fun and meaningful with hands-on activities, crafts, and storytelling. These creative ideas help kids remember that God makes a way, even in impossible situations.

If you’re looking for creative ways to teach the Bible story of the Ten Plagues, this blog has engaging ideas to bring this powerful story to life! From kid-friendly YouTube videos to hands-on crafts and activities and printable lesson plans, you'll find everything you need to make learning fun and memorable. Whether you're a Sunday school teacher, homeschooler, or work in a faith-based school, these ideas are designed to captivate young learners while helping them understand the lessons behind this epic story. Keep reading for inspiration and resources to make teaching the Ten Plagues meaningful and enjoyable!

what’s the story of the ten plagues of egypt?

The Israelites had been slaves in Egypt for over 400 years. God heard their cries and sent Moses to free the people. Pharoah’s heart was hard, and he refused to let the people go, so God sent ten plagues to afflict the Egyptian people. The ten plagues are described in Exodus 7:14 – 12:30. First, the water turned to blood. Then there were frogs, gnats, flies, the death of livestock, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness. The final plague was the death of the firstborn son of every Egyptian family unless the household followed God’s command to mark the doorpost with the blood of a lamb.

The Ten Plagues Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for an easy way to teach the Bible story ‘The Ten Plagues’? Our scripted lesson, discussion questions, and printable craft are perfect for 3—to 8-year-olds.

(Get the 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade version HERE!)

Get the preschool/kindergarten version

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE TEN PLAGUES of egypt

The Egyptians worshiped false gods, and each plague was specifically against these gods. For example, turning the Nile into blood proved that the god of the Nile and the guardian of the Nile were useless. 

Before the final plague (the death of the firstborn son), God gave the Israelites instructions to take refuge in a house marked with the blood of a lamb. The angel of death would pass over the house, and those inside would be safe. This was the first Passover. 

This event points to Jesus. Jesus is often called the Lamb of God. Jesus came to earth to live a perfect life, to become the sacrificial lamb, and to die on the cross for our sins. 

ten plagues STORY SPINNER CRAFT FOR KIDS

Create a story spinner so kids can easily retell the story of the ten plagues. This simple printable craft spins in a circle to reveal the ten plagues of Egypt.

Little kids in preschool and kindergarten can complete a version where the pictures are already included.

For bigger kids, try selecting the blank spinner craft and asking kids to draw their own pictures.

The template pieces can be found in The Ten Plagues for Preschool or The Ten Plagues for Older Kids. 

PHAROAH AND MOSES PUPPETS

Who doesn’t enjoy a good puppet craft? Kids will enjoy this simple yet fun craft, creating Moses and Pharaoh puppets. One side of the puppet shows Moses saying, “Let my people go,” and the other shows Pharaoh replying, “No!”

Once you’ve made your puppets, try re-reading the story, giving the kids a chance to use their puppets each time Moses talks to Pharaoh. This craft will give kids a fun way to retell the story.

The template pieces are in The Ten Plagues for Older Kids. 

OTHER IDEAS FOR TEACHING THE TEN PLAGES

• Ten Plague Sensory Bins: Create sensory bins with objects representing the ten plagues. For example, you could use red food coloring in water, plastic bugs and frogs, rice or pompoms for hail, etc. Check out Something2Offer or Jewish Moms and Crafters for more Ten Plague sensory bin ideas. 

• Ten Plague Obstacle Course: Check out these obstacle course/relay race ideas from Ritual Well. Some examples of their ideas include doing relay races with water dyed with red food coloring and doing a relay race using spoons and ping pong balls to remove all the “hail” from the land.

• Jumping Frog Origami: Older kids will love creating jumping origami frogs. Check out How to Make a Paper Jumping Frog or Kids Easy Origami - How to Make a Jumping Frog

• Flashlight Games: First Cry Parenting has fabulous ideas for games to play with flashlights. These games could be tied into a discussion about darkness being cast over Egypt.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE TEN PLAGUES

As always, be sure to preview videos before showing them to your students, but here are some suggestions:

• Saddleback Kids’ Moses and the Exodus provides an overview of the entire story, including the Israelites’ plight in Egypt, the plagues, and God's rescue of the people. 

• The Story of Passover for Kids by Minno Kids details the first Passover and how the Israelites celebrate Passover every year. The end of this video also describes how Jesus made a new covenant at His last Passover meal.

• Minno—Bible Stories for Kids: Who is Moses? gives an overview of Moses's journey to Egypt to rescue the Israelites. 

need more BIBLE LESSONS FOR KIDS?

Continue the learning with more lessons about Moses. This lesson is part of a four-week series about Moses that also includes The Birth of Moses, The Ten Commandments, and a Miracle at the Red Sea.

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

Teaching kids the Ten Plagues Bible story can be fun and meaningful. These craft and activity ideas make the story engaging and memorable, helping children connect with its powerful lessons of God’s justice and deliverance.