Pentecost is a powerful and memorable event in the history of the church, but the idea of who the Holy Spirit is can be somewhat challenging. These crafts celebrate Pentecost and the Holy Spirit by focusing on “wind-powered” elements. A wind sock can be hung up for decoration or breeze catching. “Air-blown paint” allows creativity (and a little mess). And an old-fashioned toy turns into an opportunity to witness wind power and create a mini “animation”!
More Teaching Ideas for Pentecost:
- Watch the video demonstration of this children’s sermon and related Bible crafts
- Compare our full Pentecost Sunday School Lesson and alternate children’s sermon
- Compare the Acts 2:1-21 Bible lessons from Sunday School Works and Mission Bible Class
Bible Verses or Captions to Consider… (Main Text: Acts 2:1-21 and John 16:4-15)
And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. -Acts 2:2
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. -John 16:13
The Holy Spirit came as a rushing wind at Pentecost!
Wind is powerful…so is God!
I huffed and puffed and blew and drew! Look at what my air can do!
Craft one: “Pentecost Thaumatrope”
You will need:
- Construction paper, paper plates, or card stock
- Crayons, markers, or pens
- Hole punch
- Scissors
- String/yarn
Procedure:
- Cut a circle out of cardstock or a paper plate (or two of them).
- Draw two separate pictures on each side of the circle (or on each circle, if two are cut out). For the images to juxtapose correctly, one will need to be “upside down.”
- If two circles have been cut, glue them together. Punch a hole on either side of circles.
- Attach a yarn or string in each hole of the circle.
- Spin the circle by rotating the string between thumb and forefinger, which will cause the images to appear to be one, rather than two separate pictures.
Craft Two: “Wind-blown Paint”
You will need:
- Construction Paper or card stock
- Stickers or decorative supplies
- Straws
- Paint (washable)
Procedure:
1. Draw simple images and write captions or verses on construction paper or cardstock.
2. Carefully add large drops of paint at scattered intervals on the paper.
3. Get close to the paper, and gently blow into the straw to scatter and splatter the paint into odd shapes and designs.
4. Add extra decorations or hanging strings, if desired. “Interpret” the artwork, too!
Craft Three: “Pentecost Wind Sock”
You will need:
- Construction Paper or card stock
- Stickers or decorative supplies
- Scissors
- Glue and/or tape
- Yarn/string
- Markers and/or crayons
- Crepe paper/streamers
Procedure:
1. Decorate the base of the wind sock. It may be helpful to cut a piece of construction paper and tape two sides together into a long strip. Add captions and stickers.
2. Cut strips of crepe paper/streamers. Attach to the paper at intervals with tape, glue, or staples.
3. Fold the paper into a circle and staple or tape together.
4. Use a hole punch to place holes in the sides. Add string or yarn to hang.
5. Hang your “wind sock” and remember the Holy Spirit as you watch the breezes blow!