Looking for creative ways to teach kids about the Bible story of Jesus visiting the temple as a boy? This powerful story offers a wonderful opportunity to help children understand Jesus’ wisdom, obedience, and desire to learn more about God, even at a young age. Keep reading to find engaging, kid-friendly ideas to bring the story to life, including printable lesson plans, hands-on crafts, fun activities, and YouTube video suggestions. Whether you're a teacher, a homeschooler, or a Sunday School leader, these resources will make learning about young Jesus both meaningful and memorable.

THE STORY- Jesus visits the temple

The story of Jesus as a boy at the temple can be found in Luke 2:41-52. Jesus and his parents (along with many, many other people) headed to Jerusalem for the Passover celebrations. When Passover was finished, his parents started the journey home, but they didn’t realize that Jesus had stayed behind.

When evening came, they could not find Jesus anywhere, so they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days, they found him in the temple, learning from the religious leaders.

Jesus Visits the Temple as a Boy Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach about Jesus as a boy in the temple? 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

Why was Jesus’ family in Jerusalem? Why didn’t they notice he was gone?

Jesus’ family was in Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover. His family lived in Nazareth and traveled to Jerusalem for the celebrations. This would have been over 100 kilometers (about 64 miles) of travel! Usually, people traveled in groups to be safer.

This is likely why it took so long for Mary and Joseph to realize that Jesus was not with them; they were traveling with a group. Then, it took three days to find Jesus because they had to travel back to Jerusalem and search a city full of people.

hands-on activity: Can you find Jesus?

Play a simple game with kids in which they have to find Jesus. Print out an image of Jesus from the Internet or use the image provided in Jesus Visits the Temple for Older Kids. 

Place the picture of Jesus somewhere in the room and have the kids search for Jesus. The first kid who finds Jesus gets to hide it the next time.

While the game is fun, please emphasize that Jesus did not actually hide from his parents, but his parents did have to search because they didn’t know where he was.

JESUS AT THE TEMPLE PRINTABLE CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

‘Jesus in the Temple’ printable craft for preschool and kindergarten

Jesus’ parents searched everywhere for him and finally found him in the temple. To help young learners with the retelling of the story, create a simple printable craft showing Jesus behind the doors of the temple.

Use the template pieces provided in Jesus Visits the Temple as a Boy for Preschool. Have kids color and cut out the temple and Jesus templates. Then, attach the pieces, ensuring you do not glue the two pieces entirely together. (You want the door to flap open.) Kids will enjoy lifting the temple doors to see Jesus inside the temple!

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JESUS AT THE TEMPLE PRINTABLE CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

‘Jesus in the Temple’ 3D printable craft for bigger kids.

Older kids will enjoy a slightly more challenging craft in Jesus at the Temple for Older Kids. They will create a temple scene with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. The three figures have tabs at the bottom that allow them to stand. 

When doing this craft, emphasize that kids must not cut off the little tabs by the figures’ feet because those are what will keep the figures standing up.

Gluing a scroll into Jesus’ hands will add extra detail to the picture. The scroll will remind kids that Jesus was reading and learning about Scripture in the temple.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT JESUS AS A BOY IN THE TEMPLE

• Lego and Play-Dough Dioramas: Have kids build a temple out of Lego (or blocks of some variety), and construct people from Play-Dough. Then use the pieces to reenact the story. 

• “Ask Your Questions”: Jesus was learning about God and Scripture at the temple. He asked questions to the religious leaders and listened to their answers. Encourage your kids to write down their questions or ask them. Then, take time to talk about them.

• “Ask Your Questions” Journal: Instead of discussing their questions as a group, have kids write journal entries starting with prompts like “A question I have about God is….”, “Something I wish I could ask God is…”, or “I want to learn more about….” They could bring this paper home to discuss with their families, or you could take these papers and discuss them later.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT JESUS AS A BOY IN THE TEMPLE

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.

• Jesus in the Temple by Saddleback Kids

• The Boy Jesus in the Temple or Mary and Joseph Find Jesus in the Temple by LifeKids

• God’s Story: Jesus as a Kid by Crossroad Kids’ Club

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.

There are not many stories in the Bible about Jesus as a kid, aside from the stories of his infancy. So, this story allows kids to be curious about what Jesus was like when he was their age, and can help them connect with him in a more personal way. There are many ways to make this story engaging as kids learn about studying God’s Word and forming a relationship with Him. 

Looking for meaningful and fun Mother's Day ideas for Sunday School? Celebrate moms and teach kids about the power of prayer and love through Bible stories, crafts, and activities perfect for Sunday School, homeschooling, or faith-based schools. These special Mother’s Day lessons feature the story of Hannah praying for a son from 1 Samuel 1, YouTube video suggestions, creative crafts, and printable lesson plans to help kids honor the special women in their lives.

MOTHERS IN THE BIBLE

There are many great examples of mothers in the Bible. Women who showed compassion, sacrificial love, and faith. Here are a few examples:

• Mary, Mother of Jesus – Luke 1–2

• Jochebed (Moses’ mother) – Exodus 2:1–10

• Naomi and Ruth – Ruth 1–4

• Sarah (Mother of Isaac) – Genesis 21

Mothers in the Bible show us what it means to love deeply, pray faithfully, and trust God with the ones we love most. From Hannah’s heartfelt prayers to Mary’s quiet courage, these women remind us that motherhood is a calling filled with both joy and sacrifice. Their stories can inspire kids (and grown-ups!) to see how God works through love, patience, and faith.

Grab Your Mother’s Day Bible Lessons for Kids!

Did you know the story of Hannah’s Prayer for a Son and Mother’s Day can go hand-in-hand? Be sure to check out our printable crafts, discussion questions, and scripted lesson plans for a Mother’s Day lesson with a focus on Hannah’s prayer for a son.

(Click HERE for the preschool/kindergarten version)

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

Teaching about Mother’s Day with compassion

While Mother’s Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and honor moms, it’s important to remember that not every child has a traditional family structure. Some children may be experiencing grief from the loss of a parent, separation or divorce, foster care, estrangement, or other complex family situations. These holidays can bring up big feelings and may be difficult for some students.

As you prepare to teach this lesson, I encourage you to approach it with sensitivity and compassion. Consider broadening the focus to include all the loving adults in a child’s life, such as grandparents, guardians, step-parents, aunts, family friends, or church mentors. Encourage children to celebrate the people who care for them, guide them, and show them God’s love.

mother’s day bible story - HANNAH PRAYS FOR A SON

One of my favourite ways to integrate Mother’s Day into a Sunday School lesson is to teach the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel.

Hannah was a great mother and a woman who loved God. She was married to Elkanah. Every year, they went to the Tabernacle to offer sacrifices and pray.

In 1 Samuel 1, a story is recorded about Hannah slipping away from Elkanah and going to pray. She promised that if God gave her a son, she would give him back to God. She prayed so earnestly for a son that the priest, Eli, thought she was drunk! 

God heard Hannah’s prayer, and a year later, she gave birth to a son. She named him Samuel. When he was old enough, she brought him to the Tabernacle to live. There, Samuel helped Eli and faithfully served God. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT HANNAH’S STORY

Hannah was a woman who really wanted a baby, so she prayed and asked God for a child. God heard her prayer, and she had a baby named Samuel, which means heard by God. Hannah loved her child very much and trusted God to take care of him. 

Hannah promised that her son would become God’s helper; he would grow up in God's house, the Tabernacle, and serve God. When Samuel was old enough, Hannah brought him to the Tabernacle to live there. Samuel lived there and helped the priest, Eli. God talked to Samuel and used him in incredible ways.​

Hannah’s promise to give Samuel back to God is often seen as the inspiration for child dedications in church today.

PRAYING HANDS CRAFT FOR KIDS

Praying hands craft for bigger kids.

God heard Hannah’s prayers, and God listens to our prayers as well. By creating a praying hands craft, kids will have a visual reminder that their prayers matter to God and that He hears them.

Praying hands craft for preschool.

Trace each child’s hands on construction paper and cut them out. Glue the palms together at the base so they open like praying hands. Inside, kids can draw a heart or write “God hears our prayers”. For a printable version, check out Hannah Prays for a Son for Older Kids.

Or, for a simplified version, check out "Hannah Prays for a Son" for Preschool. In this version, the kids glue the two hands together, rather than trying to glue them in a way that allows them to open like a card. This makes it slightly easier for little hands.

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“YOU ARE A BLESSING” FLOWERPOT - MOTHER’S DAY CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

Mother’s Day printable flowerpot craft for bigger kids.

Mother’s Day and flowers often go hand-in-hand, so why not take time to create a flower pot craft with kids? This craft will also get kids thinking about the reasons why they love their mom.

You’ll find the template pieces provided in Hannah Prays for a Son for Older Kids. Have kids color and cut out their flower pot and glue the flowers to form a bouquet. On each flower, kids can write something they love about their moms.

It is helpful to brainstorm ideas with your kids first. This will give them a starting point for writing their own ideas. They can use some of the brainstormed ideas or come up with their own. 

THANK YOU FOR PRAYING FOR mE - MOTHER’S DAY CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

Mother’s Day handprint craft for preschool and kindergarten.

Hannah fervently prayed for Samuel, and it can be assumed that she continued to pray for him as he grew. Our mothers pray for us, too! Let’s take a moment to thank moms (or other important women in the child’s life) for praying for them.

In this craft, found in Hannah Prays for a Son for Preschool, kids will either use paint to create a handprint or trace their hand in the center of the “Thank you for praying for me!” paper. Then give kids time to decorate their paper using stickers, markers, and crayons. Kids can give this to their moms as a gift.

OTHER MOTHER’S DAY ACTIVITIES 

• Mom and Me Popsicle Stick Picture Frame: Have kids draw a picture of themselves with their mom. Or take a quick Polaroid picture of the child with their mom in advance. Then follow the instructions from this tutorial on making a popsicle stick picture frame from Elmer’s Glue. Once the picture frames are formed, glue the “Mommy and Me” picture into the frame.

• Mirror Craft: Make a popsicle stick picture frame, like in the idea above. But instead of putting a picture in the frame, put in a mini mirror or tin foil. Give kids time to decorate their frames with paint, markers, or stickers. Then add a caption like, “You reflect God’s love.” 

• I Love You to Pieces Mosaic Heart: Kids Activity Zone has a cute template for a mosaic heart. Kids use ripped-up tissue paper and contact paper to create a beautiful heart-shaped mosaic.

• “My Mother is Like…” Similes: Older kids might like to try their hand at some poetry! Write some simple similes with kids, such as “My mom is as kind as a….” or “My mom is as beautiful as a….” You could turn these into a card or a booklet.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT HANNAH’S PRAYER FOR A SON

YouTube can be a great resource for helping our visual learners connect better with a story. Here are a couple of suggestions for YouTube videos about Hannah’s Prayer. As always, be sure to preview the video before showing it to your kids.

• Slapstick Theatre (Hannah and God) by Saddleback Kids

• God’s People: Hannah by Crossroad Kids’ Club

Just like Hannah, our moms (or the special women who care for us) love us, pray for us, and help us grow. This story helps us remember to thank God for our moms and to show them love, too! ​

Do you Like What you see?

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

Jesus' parables are powerful teaching tools that bring deep spiritual truths to life in a way that kids and adults can understand. Keep reading and you'll find creative and engaging ways to teach five key parables: The Sower and the Seed, The Wise and Foolish Builder, The Lost Coin, The Lost Sheep, and The Prodigal Son. From hands-on crafts and interactive activities to printable lesson plans and captivating YouTube videos, these resources will help make Bible lessons meaningful and memorable. Whether you're a Sunday school teacher, homeschool parent, or work in a faith-based school, these ideas will bring Jesus' teachings to life for your students!

What is a parable?

A parable is a short story that Jesus used to teach people about God. These stories helped people understand what Jesus was saying because He connected the stories to people’s everyday lives. Parables can also be easier to remember than long speeches.

Why did Jesus teach in parables?

Parables were simple stories that were easily understood by people who were willing to hear them. Those who were hard-hearted, like the Pharisees, didn’t understand what Jesus was trying to teach, despite the simplicity of the stories.

Jesus used simple language and stories that connected to ordinary activities. This also makes his teaching timeless because these are still common activities today. For instance, people still grow crops, and people still herd sheep.

Five print-and-go Bible Lessons on Jesus’ Parables

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

(Click HERE for the Preschool/kindergarten version!)

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

THE PARABLE OF THE WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDERS

A printable craft to accompany the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders.

Do you know any kids who love playing with blocks and then love to knock their tower over? Many kids can relate to the wise and foolish builders and will understand the importance of a firm foundation. In this parable, the wise builder built his house on a solid foundation, and his house stood firm. The foolish builder built his house on sand, and his house fell. 

This parable lends itself well to building challenges. Kids could use toothpicks and marshmallows, blocks, or cardboard boxes. You could even do a house-building snack by having kids construct a house from graham crackers and icing. The Wise and Foolish Builders has more details on building challenges, plus some planning sheets for older kids. You will also find ideas for printable crafts, relay races, and YouTube videos.

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

A printable craft for bigger kids that shows the main parts of the Parable of the Sower.

Kids who are into gardening and plants will connect well with this story! In this parable, the Word of God is the seed, which lands on different soil types, representing different heart postures. Some people readily receive the Word of God, and others reject it. This parable is a great way to encourage children to grow in their faith and keep pursuing Jesus.

There are some fabulous ways to help kids connect with this parable. Soil sensory bins, planting seeds, seed art, and printable crafts will help this story come to life. Check out The Parable of the Sower for more information on these ideas. You’ll also find a printable booklet that retells the story. Kids can glue physical seeds into this booklet to make it more interactive! 

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP

A printable craft for little kids that goes with the Parable of the Lost Sheep.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep is part of a series of three parables that Jesus teaches in Luke 15. These parables all teach the same message: God rejoices when a sinner returns to Him. In this parable, a shepherd has a hundred sheep, and one is lost. He looks for the one sheep and rejoices when it is found!

Many great sheep activities can be connected to this story. The Parable of the Lost Sheep has great ideas, such as step-by-step How to Draw a Sheep, YouTube videos, sheep games, and a paper plate sheep craft. You will also find a “Sheep or Shepherd” game where kids must sort sheep and shepherds' characteristics into the correct categories. For example, did you know that shepherds would build dams in the river to slow the water down enough for sheep to drink?

THE PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN

A printable coin craft for little learners.

The Parable of the Lost Coin is also part of the three parable series in Luke 15. It teaches that God rejoices when a sinner returns to Him. In this parable, a woman has ten coins and loses one. She searches for it, and when she finds it, she rejoices!

Kids will enjoy a plethora of coin activities found in the Parable of the Lost Coin. From coin rubbings to coin molds to a coin toss game, there are plenty of ideas to engage kids in their learning. You’ll also find printable crafts appropriate for preschoolers and older kids. Preschoolers will enjoy a printable coin craft, while older kids can take part in hands-on stations and make a printable envelope filled with coins.

THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON

The Parable of the Prodigal Son, a printable craft for little learners where the son slides home to see his father.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is the final story in the series in Luke 15, also teaching the message that God rejoices when a sinner repents and returns to Him. In the Prodigal Son, there is a man with two sons. The younger son asks for his share of the family’s money and then squanders it on foolish things. When he finally returns to his father, he is welcomed with open arms and a party. The older son is jealous and bitter.

Some ideas to teach this parable include painting piggy banks and encouraging kids to make wise choices with their money, creating a “pig pen” snack with chocolate pudding and crushed cookies, or doing a pig slop relay race. For more details, check out The Parable of the Prodigal Son. You’ll also find printable crafts that are age-appropriate for preschoolers or older kids. Create an interactive craft with a prodigal son popsicle stick puppet, or create a “hug” craft by kids tracing their hands and gluing them to a verse from the story: For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.

Jesus' parables are simple for kids of any age to understand. Jesus loves us and desires a relationship with us. Whether watching YouTube videos about the parables, doing crafts, or playing games, there are plenty of ways to make these stories impactful. How will you make these stories come to life? 

There are so many creative ways to teach about Jesus’ Parable of the Lost Coin. This timeless Bible story is a powerful lesson on God’s love and how He rejoices when the lost are found. Whether you're teaching Sunday school, homeschooling, or working in a faith-based school, there are plenty of coin-based engaging activities, hands-on crafts, and printable lesson plans to make learning meaningful and fun. Keep reading for unique ideas that will help kids understand the heart of this parable interactively and memorably!

what’s the parable of the lost coin about?

The Parable of the Lost Coin is found in Luke 15:8-10. In the parable, a woman had ten coins, but one was missing. She searches for a lost coin and is overjoyed when she finds it.

The Parable of the Lost Coin Bible Lessons for Kids

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

(Click HERE for Preschool/Kindergarten version)

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

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN

This is one of three short parables in Luke 15. The other two are the Parable of the Lost Son and the Parable of the Lost Sheep. All three stories teach the important lesson that God loves us and that we are important to Him. God celebrates when we choose to follow Him.

In this parable, the coin represents a person, and the woman represents God. The ten silver coins in this story would have likely been attached to a piece of jewelry worn by brides, so losing the coin was like losing a treasured possession. Just like the woman searched for the coin, God seeks after us because He treasures us!

THE LOST COIN PRINTABLE CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL

Crafts are a great way to engage kids in the story and serve as a visual reminder so they can retell the story to their families at home. For this craft, found in The Parable of the Lost Coin for Preschool, kids will make a simple printable coin with a verse from the story on the back. This hands-on project reinforces the lesson and encourages them to share their learning.

“Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin!”  Luke 15:9b NIV

The Lost Coin Printable Craft for Older Kids

Older kids will enjoy a slightly more challenging craft: constructing a paper envelope using the template from Parable of the Lost Coin for Older Kids. They will create a rectangular envelope by cutting and folding on the appropriate lines.

Inside the envelope, kids will put four printable coins. Each coin tells a part of the parable:

• Suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one

• Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?

• And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, “Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.”

• In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH THE PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN

• Coin Rubbings - Gather various coins. Place a piece of thin white paper over each coin. Have kids color over the coin using the side of a crayon (with the paper wrapping removed). The raised parts of the coin’s design will appear on the paper as they rub. This is an excellent activity for exploring the details of different coins!

• Playdough Coin Imprints: Give each kid playdough and coins. Have kids press the coins into the playdough. They will get some fun imprints! 

• Coin Hunt: This activity can be done in several ways. You can use real coins, print images of coins, or buy chocolate coins from the Dollar Store. Hide the coins around the class and have kids go hunting for them! You could also turn this into a relay where kids race through a relay course to get to the coins at the other end of the room.

• Coin Sensory Bin: Fill bins with sand, rice, or beans. Then, put coins, shovels, and other sand toys in the bins. Kids can hide the coins in the sensory bins and dig around to find them. 

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE LOST COIN

YouTube can be an excellent resource for helping kids visualize a story better. But it’s imperative to preview any video you plan on showing to make sure it is age-appropriate and matches the lessons you want your kids to learn. Here are some suggestions:

• Saddleback Kids’ Parable of the Lost Coin or Wildwood Treehouse (Parable of the Lost Coin)

• The Parable of the Lost Coin by Douglas Talks

• This parable is part of a three-parable lesson that Jesus taught. This video by LifeKids teaches about all three parables: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son.

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE PARABLE OF JESUS?

This lesson is part of a five-week series on the parables Jesus told. The other stories include The Wise and Foolish Builders, The Lost Sheep, The Parable of the Sower, and The Prodigal Son.

These lessons about the Parables 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.

The Parable of the Lost Coin is a fabulous story about God’s deep love for us. Ways to reinforce this lesson include games, crafts, and videos. Whether you teach at home, in Sunday School, or at a faith-based school, we must help kids grasp the powerful truth that they are precious to God.

Are you ready to learn about God’s great love for us through the parable of the Lost Sheep? Whether you're a Sunday school teacher, homeschooling parent, or work in a faith-based school, there are many engaging activities, crafts, videos, and printable lesson plans to bring this powerful parable of Jesus to life! Keep reading for easy-to-use resources to make teaching about The Lost Sheep meaningful and fun for kids in preschool through third grade.

THE parable of the lost sheep

The Parable of the Lost Sheep is found in Luke 15:3-7 and Matthew 18:12-14. A man had 100 sheep, and one was missing. He left the 99 sheep and searched for the one lost sheep. When he found the sheep, he rejoiced and invited all his friends to celebrate with him.

The Parable of the Lost Sheep - Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the Parable of the Lost Sheep? 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 THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP

In this parable, God is the Shepherd, and we are the sheep. The Shepherd rejoices more over the lost sheep being found than the 99 sheep who never strayed. This parable teaches us that God rejoices when a sinner returns to Him.

The Pharisees would have seen themselves as part of the 99 who didn’t stray. It would have been shocking for them to hear that God rejoices more over sinners than over them. The Pharisees had a big problem with pride and thought they were better than others. 

SHEPHERD OR SHEEP? - ACTIVITY FOR OLDER KIDS

A shepherd cares for the sheep and fights off danger. To protect the sheep, shepherds sleep in the pen entrance at night. They build dams to slow the water in streams and rivers so it is easier for the sheep to drink. 

On the other hand, sheep cannot protect themselves, can’t hear very well, have bad eyesight, and get easily confused. They need a shepherd.

Turn these facts (and others) into a sorting activity. Have kids sort out cards with facts about shepherds and sheep into the appropriate categories. Then, discuss how we are like sheep and God is like the Shepherd. Check out The Parable of the Lost Sheep for Older Kids for sorting cards with facts about sheep and shepherds.

HOW TO DRAW A SHEEP ACTIVITY FOR OLDER KIDS

‘How to Draw a Sheep’ activity for kids in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades.

Learning to draw a sheep is a great way to make an artistic connection to this parable.

There are some adorable animated sheep out there. So why not teach your kids some step-by-step sheep drawings? Art Hub for Kids has a couple: How to Draw a Sheep for Preschool and How to Draw a Cartoon Sheep.

Or, if you prefer printable instructions, use the step-by-step printable instructions in The Parable of the Lost Sheep for Older Kids.

After drawing one sheep, challenge kids to draw more. After all, there are technically 100 sheep in this story!

Sheep and Shepherd Craft for Younger Kids

Cotton balls are a great way to give a sheep craft extra texture. Grab a bag or two from the store and let kids add them to their sheep crafts. This fun addition makes their creations look and feel more like real sheep.

Using the template pieces in The Parable of the Lost Sheep for Preschool, have kids color and cut out their shepherd and sheep pieces. Then use glue and cotton balls to give their sheep fluffy wool. They will love this simple, soft craft! As they create, encourage them to imagine how happy the shepherd must have been to find his lost sheep.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP

• Find the Lost Sheep: Either print out pictures of sheep or get little sheep figurines or stuffed animals. Then, hide them around the room for kids to find. 

• Paper Plate Sheep Craft: Use a paper plate, cotton balls, googly eyes, and glue to create the cutest sheep craft! Check out This Craft Family for step-by-step instructions to make a paper plate sheep.

• “Shepherd Says”: This game is similar to “Simon Says,” but uses the phrase “Shepherd says” instead. The leader is the shepherd, and the other kids are the sheep. The ‘shepherd’ will give simple instructions for the ‘sheep’, such as “Shepherd says walk to the walk” or “Shepherd says jump on your foot.”

• Shepherd Mazes: Create an obstacle course using objects like tables, chairs, blankets, pillows, etc. Then, have kids do a “Follow the Leader” style game in which they follow the “shepherd” through the maze. The kid who is the shepherd gets to choose how the “sheep” maneuver around each object. For instance, they might go under the table and over the chairs.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE LOST SHEEP

YouTube is a great resource! But be sure to preview any videos you intend to show your kids for age-appropriateness and content. Here are some video suggestions:

• Parable of the Lost Sheep by Douglas Talks

• Saddleback Kids’ The Lost Sheep

• One Lost Sheep by Crossroad Kids’ Club

• Superbook’s The Parable of the Lost Sheep

• This parable is part of a three-parable lesson that Jesus taught. This video by LifeKids teaches about all three parables: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son. 

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE PARABLES OF JESUS?

This lesson is part of a five-week series on the parables Jesus told. The other stories include The Wise and Foolish Builders, The Lost Coin, The Parable of the Sower, and The Prodigal Son.

These lessons about the Parables 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.

Teaching the Parable of the Lost Sheep in a creative and engaging way helps children understand God’s deep love and desire to bring everyone back to Him. 

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is a powerful way to illustrate God’s love, forgiveness, and grace. Engaging activities can bring this parable of Jesus to life, whether you're a Sunday school teacher, homeschooling parent, or work in a faith-based school. Explore craft ideas, fun games, YouTube video recommendations, and printable lesson plans to help children understand and connect with this story of a father’s love for his son.

What’s the parable of the prodigal son about?

The Prodigal Son is found in Luke 15:11-32. It’s the story of a man with two sons. The younger son asked his father for his share of the family’s money, then squandered all the money on foolish things.

Now destitute, the younger son asked a farmer if he could work in the field and care for the pigs. At one point, the son looked at the pig slop and considered eating it. Finally, the son returned home, hoping to become a servant in his father’s house. Instead, he was welcomed with an embrace and a party.

The older son, on the other hand, served his father faithfully. But when his younger brother returned home, he became bitter and jealous that a party was thrown for his younger brother.

The Parable of the Prodigal Son Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the Parable of the Prodigal Son? 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, 3rd grade version

PRODIGAL SON VS. LOST SON

Different Bible translations use different titles for this parable. Translations like the King James Version, the New King James Version, and the English Standard Version call it The Parable of the Prodigal Son. Other translations like New International Version, New Living Translation, and Christian Standard Bible call it The Parable of the Lost Son. 

“Prodigal” comes from the Latin word prodigus, which means “wasteful” or “extravagant”. “Lost” aligns with the other parables in Luke 15: the lost coin and lost sheep. Both descriptions accurately describe the son and point to different aspects of the story. 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE PRODIGAL SON

In this parable, the father represents God. And the two sons represent people.

We might be like the younger son and try to do things our own way. Or we might be like the older son and do things God’s way but have negative things in our hearts.

God knows we will mess up, and He is patient with us. Like the father in the story, God will always forgive us when we return to him, and welcome us home with open arms.

WELCOME HOME HUG CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

The father welcomed the prodigal son home with a giant hug. So, why not create a simple “hug” craft? First, have kids trace their hands. They might need a partner to trace their non-dominant hand for them. You can also use the hand template pieces in The Prodigal Son for Older Kids. 

Next, have kids cut and color the three pieces of their verse: For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.

Kids will glue these strips together and then glue those between their cut-out hands to show outstretched hands for a hug.

A printable craft to accompany the Parable of the Prodigal son.

COMING HOME CRAFT FOR YOUNGER KIDS

In this printable craft, kids will slide the son back home to the father!

Younger kids will love creating an interactive craft where the prodigal son is glued to a popsicle stick. Using the template pieces in The Prodigal Son for Preschool, have kids color their pieces. You will likely have to help with the cutting aspects of this craft (or enlist older kids to pre-cut the pieces) because some of the cutting is delicate - especially the slit in the middle of the page. 

Once the pieces are all cut and colored, glue the prodigal son to the popsicle stick and insert him into the slit in the scene. Slide the prodigal son along the slit to show him running home to the father.

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON

• Welcome Home Banners: Have kids create welcome home banners or signs as a reminder that God always welcomes and forgives us when we return to him, just like the prodigal son returned to his father.

• Pig Slop Relay: You could create fun relays to recreate life in the pig pen. Create a relay race where kids have to use a spoon to carry objects like pompoms, Cheerios, rice grains, etc., from one bowl to another. Or, if you can be outside, have kids use a sponge to transport water from one bucket to another. This will be messy…kind of like living in a pig pen. 

• Pig Pen Snack: Use chocolate pudding, crushed cookies, and candies to create a fun snack for kids. Kids have great imaginations, and seeing the pudding as mud wouldn’t be a stretch.

• Piggy Banks: Have kids decorate and paint a piggy bank. Then, encourage them to make wise choices with their money, unlike the prodigal son. Dollar stores often have inexpensive piggy banks in their craft sections. 

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON

This is a powerful story about God’s great love for us, and many kids would love to see it in video form. Below are some suggestions. Please preview any videos you show for age-appropriateness and content.

• The Prodigal Son by Saddleback Kids

• Two Sons and a Father (Prodigal Son) by Crossroad Kids’ Club

• The Prodigal Son by Gateway Kids  

• Check out The Beginner’s Bible: The Prodigal Son for a longer episode-length video.

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE PARABLEs OF JESUS?

This lesson is part of a five-week series on the parables Jesus told. The other stories include The Wise and Foolish Builders, The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Parable of the Sower.

These lessons about the Parables 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.

The Prodigal Son is a beautiful story about God’s love and forgiveness. People love this story and can often picture themselves as one of the sons. There are many ways to help engage kids in this story and make it memorable.

Look no further for creative ways to teach the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders! This powerful Bible story about two builders teaches kids the importance of building their lives on a strong foundation—God’s Word. There are many great ways to teach this parable, including engaging crafts, hands-on activities, and fun YouTube videos that bring the lesson to life. Plus, you’ll find printable lesson plans to make your teaching even easier. Whether you're a Sunday school teacher, homeschooling parent, or work in a faith-based school, these ideas will help kids understand and remember this important parable.

THE parable of the two builders

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders is found in Matthew 7:24-27 and Luke 6:46-49.  Jesus tells the story of two men who each build a house. One man builds on rock, and when a storm comes, the house stands firm. The other man builds on sand, and when a storm comes, the house collapses.  

The Parable of the Two Builders Bible Lessons for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders? 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 THE WISE AND FOOLISH builders

A parable is a short story that Jesus used to teach people about God. These stories helped people understand what Jesus was saying because Jesus connected the stories to people’s everyday lives. Parables are also easier to remember than long speeches. 

This parable isn’t really about building a strong home. It’s about building a strong relationship with Jesus and listening to his teachings. While it’s great to go to church, sing worship songs, pray, and read the Bible, we must also follow what Jesus instructs us to do - love God and love others. Our actions need to match what Jesus instructs. 

BUILDING CHALLENGES FOR KIDS

This building challenge worksheet will help bigger kids to plan their toothpick and marshmallow structures.

Kids of all ages love a good building challenge. In this Parable of the Two Builders challenge, you’ll ask the younger kids in your class to build a small house that stands on its own. Keep the challenge open-ended and allow them to build with whatever materials you might have on hand. These could be materials like paper, tape, pipe cleaners, cardboard, popsicle sticks, etc. You could keep it even simpler and have them build something using blocks or magnetic tiles.

Make the challenge a little trickier for older kids in first, second, or third grades. These tiny builders can use toothpicks and marshmallows to create a sturdy structure! Have kids use the planning sheet in The Wise and Foolish Builders for Older Kids to get their ideas on paper. Then, they can revisit the planning sheet as they create.

PRINTABLE CRAFTS FOR KIDS

A printable craft to accompany the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders

Printable crafts are great because kids can bring them home to help them retell the story to their families and caregivers. They are also an excellent way for students to visualize the story.

Preschoolers will love gluing a printable house onto solid ground (Find the template pieces in The Wise and Foolish Builder for Preschool).

This simple craft reminds young kids that their home needs to be built on solid ground. Encourage young learners to understand that their faith should be placed in Jesus, the true and lasting Rock, who provides strength, security, and guidance in every season of life!

Older kids will appreciate a slightly more complex lift-the-flap booklet from The Wise and Foolish Builder for Older Kids. Kids will cut and fold the template pieces on the appropriate lines to construct their booklets. Once completed, the front of the craft shows the house built by the foolish man, and kids lift the flaps to see the one built by the wise man. This interactive craft helps reinforce the lesson by providing a hands-on way to visualize the parable’s key message: Listening to God’s Word is wise!

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH THE PARABLE OF THE WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDER

•  Building Relays: Kids love a good relay race, so why not combine relay races with building challenges? Have kids run blocks to the end of the relay course, then stack the blocks into a house formation. The fastest team wins, but they must be careful not to knock the tower down. You could also use plastic cups or Legos for this relay.

• Jenga is a classic game that many families love. Have kids play several rounds of this game and discuss the story as they do. This will reinforce the point that we need a firm foundation in Jesus.

• Sensory Bins of Sand and Rock: Fill bins with rocks and sand. Add small figurines, shovels, buckets, etc. Then, let the kids play with the materials in the bins. 

• House Building Snack: Looking for a building challenge that will satisfy your sweet tooth? Have kids construct houses using graham crackers and icing. Then eat the houses!  

• ‘The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock’ Song: Do you remember singing a simple song that retells this parable as a kid? Here’s a version by Faith Baptist Church Lapaz and another by Cedarmont Kids.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE WISE AND FOOLISH BUILDER

Watching YouTube videos is a great way to have kids visualize the story. Visual learners will especially love seeing the story on screen. As always, preview the videos to ensure they fit your teaching context. Here are some suggestions:

• Parable of the Two Builders by Saddleback Kids

• God’s Story: Parable of the Two Builders by Crossroad Kids’ Club

• The Wise and Foolish Builders by LifeKids - This creative video tells the story in the form of a news report of two people preparing their houses for a storm!

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE PARABLES OF JESUS?

This lesson is part of a five-week series on the parables Jesus told. The other stories include The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, The Parable of the Sower, and The Prodigal Son.

These lessons about the Parables 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.

The Wise and Foolish Builder teaches kids the importance of building their lives on a strong foundation. Through engaging activities, kids can learn to make wise choices. By reinforcing these lessons with creativity and consistency, we can help kids develop faith that stands firm through life’s storms.

Teaching the Parable of the Sower to kids is a wonderful way to help them understand the importance of a heart that is receptive to God’s Word. This timeless story, told by Jesus, uses the simple imagery of seeds and soil to illustrate how people respond differently to the Gospel. There are many ways to teach this story, including kid-friendly videos, printable lesson plans, creative crafts, and hands-on activities. Whether you teach at home, in Sunday school, or in a classroom setting, these resources will bring the parable to life and encourage children to grow in their faith!

What is the parable of the sower about?

The Parable of the Sower is found in Matthew 13:1–23, Mark 4:1–20, and Luke 8:4–15. Jesus tells a parable where a farmer scatters seeds on different types of ground. Some fall on a path and are eaten by birds, some on rocky ground and wither without roots, and some among thorns, which choke them. But seeds that fall on good soil grow and produce a great harvest. This illustrates how people receive God’s word differently—only those with open and faithful hearts truly flourish.

Parable of the Sower - Bible Lesson for Kids

Are you looking for a simple way to teach the Parable of the Sower? 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 1st, 2nd, 3rd grade version

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

A parable is a short story that Jesus used to teach people about God. These stories helped people understand what Jesus was saying because Jesus connected the stories to people’s everyday lives. Parables are also easier to remember than long speeches. 

The seeds represent the Word of God, and each soil represents different people who hear the Word of God:

• The hard path represents people with hard hearts who refuse to listen to God’s Word.

• The rocky soil represents people who initially had joy when they heard God’s Word, but it faded.

• The thorny soil represents people who worry about things and are distracted by things around them.

• The good soil represents people who hear the Word of God and do what it says.

SOWING THE SEEDS BOOKLET FOR PRESCHOOL

Young kids love to use their senses when learning, so why not bring in some real seeds to interact with? Have kids look at the seeds, feel them, smell them…you could even have them taste them (make sure to get something edible, like sunflower or pumpkin seeds). 

Once the children have observed the seeds, have them make a little booklet that retells the parable. Glue the physical seeds into the booklet. Check out The Parable of the Sower and the Seed for Preschool for template pieces.

STORY CIRCLES CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS

Each type of soil represents a different reaction someone had when they heard the Word of God. Keeping all the representations straight can be tricky, so creating a visual representation of the story is a great way to help kids remember. 

Use the template pieces in the printable lesson The Parable of the Sower for Older Kids. Have kids match each image with the corresponding Bible verse. Glue the verse to the back of the image, punch holes in the images, and then attach them with a binder clip. Once the project is complete, kids can use these to retell the story and help them remember which soil type corresponds to each verse. 

OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

• Plant a Seed: Take time to plant a seed together. This could be done as a whole group, or each kid can plant their own seed. Discuss what plants need to grow and connect it back to what they need to do to grow in their relationship with God. 

• Soil Sensory Bins: Fill four bins with things that represent the different soil types. Use rocks, stones, twigs/thorns, and planting soil so kids can use their senses to observe the soil types. 

• Bean Bag Seed Relay Races: Set up a fun relay race where kids have a pile of beanbags at one end and run the beanbags, one at a time, to a basket at the end. The beanbags represent the seeds, and the basket represents the hole in which you plant a seed. Divide kids into teams and race to see which team can ‘plant’ all their seeds first. 

• Seed Art: Check out this incredible Air Dry Clay Seed Mosaic Craft by Raising Up Wild Things. Use various seeds to create something beautiful to help kids remember the Sower and the Seed parable.

YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

Watching a YouTube video about this parable might help kids visualize what Jesus is talking about. As always, preview videos before showing them to your kids. Here are a few suggestions:

• The Parable of the Farmer and the Seed or Bible Stories for Toddlers by Saddleback Kids  

• God’s Story: Seeds and a Farmer or Storytellers: Seeds and a Farmer by Crossroad Kids’ Club 

WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT THE PARABLES OF JESUS?

This lesson is part of a five-week series on the parables Jesus told. The other stories include The Wise and Foolish Builders, The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal Son.

These lessons about the Parables 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.

Teaching the Parable of the Sower helps kids understand the importance of a receptive heart and growing in their faith. There are many great ways to help make this story memorable to kids.

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.