I think we’ve all been there. We’re finished with our prepared lesson and there is still a LOT of time remaining. There are also a LOT of children staring up at you, anxiously awaiting their next activity.
Next time you’re caught with too much free time, here are some fun and easy activities to do with the students. Just make sure you have some Post-Its on hand.
1. Post-It your Pastor’s car: Have the students write short, encouraging notes on Post –Its. Use examples like these to get them thinking: “Thank you for loving Jesus,” or “I like how you smile when you see me,” or “How did you get so smart?” Give the students 5 minutes to write as many as they can. Then go out and cover the car (or have a volunteer do it for you.) Make sure to take a picture of the mischief!
2. Memory Mosaics: Have the students brainstorm as many verses as they know, or at least some of their favorites on colored Post-Its. (Have some suggestions on hand for students who are drawing a blank.) Have them decorate pieces of construction paper with these verses to create mosaics of God’s word.
3. Guess Who Game: Write one Bible character name on every Post-It. Stick Post-Its on students’ backs. Have individuals stand up (one at a time), turn around, and sit down so that the group can read each name. Have the group give each student clues to help him/her identify the character. Continue until every Bible figure has been named.
4. Scripture Memory Game: Choose a verse to review. Write one word on every Post-It. Scramble the words and have the students work together to put the verse in order. If the class is large enough, write the verse out a few times and compete in teams.
5. Create Your Own Cartoon: Distribute Post-Its, construction paper, and markers. Have children re-tell the Bible lesson using cartoons. Have each Post-It be a different frame, telling a portion of the story. Once frames are completed, have the students stick them on the construction paper. If time still remains, have them share their cartoon Bible stories with the class.
What ideas do you utilize when there is an abundance of time remaining? We welcome your feedback!
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{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
We have the Go Fish DVD – Let’s Sing – and we let the children who have behaved the best, ie: participation, listening, following directions, pick which songs they want to sing and dance to. Depending on the amount of time we can do 1 song, or 10 songs. It is also a way for us to know which songs they really like and how well they know them.
I really like Fruit Of The Spirit lesson and coloring page,but there is not complete coloring page page for this lesson.I cannot find patience,kindness,faithfulness and gentleness coloring page. Could you please give me those of missing. I appreciate about it.
Great idea about the post-it’s. Maybe the kids can draw a large poster of the pastor and stick the notes on the head-if it is something smart, or on the heart if it concerns issues of the heart, or hands and legs if it deals with him doing stuff etc….and display it on the concourse for all to see! Great way to know what kidz think of their pastor!
Wonderful resources for growing children in christ !
God bless you Tony !
When there is lots of time remaining I usually read bible stories or I allow them to sing songs and or shout praises to God…
Always great ideas Tony-however, might want to ask the Pastor’s wife before you cover his car–not that I’ve ever tried it….just saying.
Good point! We actually did something similar to our pastor’s office. All the kids wanted to wait around after service to see his reaction and add a hug with their notes.
I HAVE MY STUDENTS WRITE DOWN THE NAME OF ONE OF THEIR FAVORITE BIBLE CHARACTERS THEN PASS IT TO SOMEONE ELSE AND THEY HAVE TO TELL AT LEAST THREE FACTS ABOUT THAT PERSON. THE KIDS LOVE IT.
I generally play Simon says with my kids. They seem to enjoy it very much as I teach grade 5′s
When service runs over and we have completed our lessons we play – Bible Trivia Toss Across…… We split into 2 teams use our Toss Across game and we ask a question (review questions of our lessons or questions from a Bible Trivia game) to a team member and if he/she is correct he/she gets to toss the Beanbags to attempt to get all x’s or o’s. First team to get 3 in a row WINS!! Great way to review the nights lesson!
Tnx. The games are quiet helpful.
I just have to say thanks for posting the comic idea. I have a lot of boys in my Sunday School class and I think this one is going to go over really really well!
The game activities are working for me in my church.
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