Three object lessons about lying for kids
Telling lies is a temptation we all face, kids and grown-ups. Use this power packed, triple-punch of object lessons to teach kids what God says about lying and how we can resist this universal temptation. Spread the object lessons out over three weeks or use them in one lesson.
Salty ice cream: You need a tray of goodies for this object lesson. Include ice cream, a bowl, scoop, chocolate syrup, sprinkles, salt and a spoon. Scoop out some ice cream in a bowl and talk about how delicious it is. Ask kids what their favorite toppings are. Ask them if salt would be a good topping. Accidentally, (on purpose) sprinkle salt on the ice cream, lots of salt. Try to convince kids they can cover the salt with chocolate syrup and sprinkles. Ask the kids if they think the toppings will cover the salty flavor; you could let them taste it using plastic spoons. Share the verse about fresh and salt water found in James 3:11: “Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?” (NIV)
Spider web trap: You need fake spider webs or a small fishing net for this object lesson. Some craft stores sell these decorative nets in the party supply section. Read James 3:8 to kids: “…but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.” (NIV) Be transparent about how easy it is to lie instead of telling the truth. It’s easier to tell Mom we did our homework when we really didn’t. But that’s not God’s way. He wants us to control our tongues. You could end the lesson by saying to kids, “We can’t do it on our own; we need God’s help. Let’s pray and ask God to help us stop lying.”
Lie repellent: Before the lesson, wrap a piece of construction paper around a harmless can of hairspray. Write “Lie-B-Gone” on the paper using chalk. Ask kids, “If I tell a lie, will this take it away?” Let kids answer, then explain that only God can forgive us and erase sins like lying.
Read more from Mimi by visiting her blog at Encouragement for Christians.
