play Archives - Page 7 of 18 - Jesus Without Language

The willingness of Rebekah to travel many days to a strange land to bind herself to a stranger, the notion of God providing and the love that flourished are all themes we draw out of this passage with these games.

This is part of a single lesson pack, all ready to print and go.

Water the camels

Under 7’s

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

The servant knew God had led him to Rebekah when she offered to water the camels. This simple relay race has the child moving ‘water’ from the well to the animals. Use a large bucket of water and a cup to move it. If you can’t get wet in your space, then use shredded blue paper.

Rebekah’s Shadow

All Ages

Small group

Requires setup time

Quiet game

Can be seated

This adaptation of a board game, uses the basic idea of matching the people to their shadows. Print the two pages and cut out the cards. Place all the cards face down over the rectangles, leaving the top rectangle uncovered. The player will turn one card in the hope it matches the shadow in the uncovered box. If it does, then place it face up on the box. If it does not match, place face down in the box containing the shadow you were looking for. This way, the cards move around the board until they are all matched. At the end of the game, identify the final shadow.
(Click on the image for the PDF download)

Obstacle course

All Ages

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

Make a simple obstacle course to mimic the servants’ journey. Put a doll or a picture of Rebekah at the end and have the child bring it back.

Behind the veil

All Ages

Small group

Requires setup time

Quiet game

Can be seated

This is a classic memory game using a tray full of objects and a towel (a veil for this story). The aim is to memorise the objects on the tray and then re-list them once the towel hides them. A good rule of thumb is to take the average age of the children for the number of objects. This game also works with snap cards.

Find Rebekah

All Ages

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

This story lends itself well to a treasure hunt. Make a list of 10 items that the kids can find in your space – have the 10th be Rebekah. You can use a doll or a picture from the heroes post. Talk about if there was any logic in where you looked? What clues did you use?

This story about the lamp lighter or the underlying passages about lamps and lamp stands are key Christian concepts for kids to grapple with. They use a very tactile and easy to demonstrate element – light. As such, all these games play on the idea of light and vision and may need a darkened environment to work fully. Please check if your teaching area can have dimmed light before selecting the best activity for your group.

This is part of a single lesson pack, all ready to print and go.

Catch the light

Under 7’s

Small group

No Setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

A beautifully simple game for little ones using multiple bright torches – have the group close their eyes while the adults or older kids shine the light into a given spot. When the kids open their eyes, they must catch the light spot on their palm. This only works if the torch is placed or held stationary. Talk about where light comes from and how it’s position affects how light the room is.

Long burn

All Ages

Small group

Requires setup time

Quiet game

Can be seated

There is something special about working with real light and flame. If you have a small group, then this very basic science experiment will be great. Have a line of candles and different sized glasses to cover them with, and one non-transparent object like a mug. Have the kids predict which candle will go out first. You could also try different coloured glasses. Talk about how the non-transparent container stopped us from seeing the light, and how the light needed oxygen from inside the glass to burn. End by saying, the candle that burns the longest is the one we did not cover at all.

Blind mans buff

All Ages

Any size group

No Setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

If your group needs to squeal and get the wriggles out, this is a classic, involving a blindfold and catching people. Remind the group that the catcher can’t see, but they can hear. Talk about how dark the blindfold is and how we require light to see.

Uncover my light

All Ages

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

This is a really simple parachute game that involves a dark room and a bright lantern. Place the lantern beneath the parachute and position the kids around the edge. Call out the name of one child to be lit, the rest of the group push the parachute to the floor while the chosen child raises the parachute up to light themselves. You could also call out everyone, or nobody or the rooms distinguishing features like the door.

High glow

Ages 7+

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

Great for slightly older groups, give each child a glow stick that is already glowing. Tell them they must hide the light. Once every light is hid slowly reveal whose was hid the highest. Then get them to repeat the process in pairs and teams. Is it harder to hide light when there are more glow sticks? Is it easier to spot peoples light when it is higher or lower?

Under the baskets

All Ages

Any size group

Requires setup time

Quiet game

Can be seated

Use a selection of baskets or tubs to hide things under. Slowly provide the kids with clues as to what each object is until they guess it. Have one light. If possible, have some items that may make a noise or smell so when the basket is lifted the kids don’t need to look to see what it is. Talk about how we identify items and how they may be different when covered / uncovered. If you have time, you can play track the basket with the light under.

Herod the Great really does epitomize the darker side of the Christmas story, and his choices were down-right morally offensive. These games therefore look more at the elements of choice, clues, and searches. The first two games here use a card set that can be found by clicking on the picture. There are different games listed for “The Magi” and for “Refugee Jesus” if none of these options work for you.

This is part of a single lesson pack, all ready to print and go.

Match it!

All Ages

Small group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Can be seated

This is similar to the popular ‘Dobble’ or ‘Spot it’ where cards are dealt to two players and, upon turning the top card over, one symbol on each card will match. The first player to identify this match wins both cards until one player runs out of cards. There is a post for this game, click on the picture to go directly there.

Link to Herod looking for clues and signs to help the Magi find Jesus.

Not Herod

Ages 7+

Small group

Requires setup time

Quiet game

Can be seated

Use the “sets” version of the card game above for this. You will need 3 cards per player (one set per 7 kids). Sit in a circle and swap cards with your neighbours until you have 3 cards with the same symbol on them. Every 2 cards has one matching pair but finding 3 of the same is not as easy. Make sure your match isn’t Herod! You could repeat with 4 or even 5 matching items to make this game harder.

Link to Herod only having partial information about the Christ Child.

Save the crown

All Ages

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

Set up a simple obstacle race. Place a paper crown on a small cushion and have the children transport it through the maze and back to the start.

Link: Talk about how fragile Herod’s power was.

Finding the Christ

Under 7’s

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

A ‘hide the thimble’ alternative. Print a small picture of a baby and hide it in the room. Variants – play as rounds where the baby is re-hidden, or you can print multiple copies and have each child find one.

Link to Herod’s search.

Supporting limbs

Ages 7+

Big group

No Setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

Have the youngsters get into small groups of 3–4 people. The idea of the game is for the group to support each other so that not everyone has to stand on the floor. Nobody is allowed to sit on the floor. Roll 2 dice, one for the number of feet that can be touching the floor, the second for the number of hands that can be touching the floor. (Hints : just pick numbers if you don’t have dice and try balancing on your knees)

Link: Talk about how sometimes we need the support of those around us, and that Herod’s power depended on him being the only one at the top.

For the play post this time round, there are a couple of games that require this set of cards. There are 21 cards in total, spaced over 3 pages of printout. They are designed like the popular game ‘Dobble’ or ‘Spot it’ but have only 5 images rather than the usual 8. Every card in the pack has one image in common with another card.

This is part of a single lesson pack, all ready to print and go.

To make this game, you will need the 3-page template printout and some scissors.

All you need to prepare for the game is cut the card out and shuffle into a pile.
Consider backing them onto thin card if you want to use them repetitively.

ND: The game will work with missing cards and multiple copies mixed together!

To play the Match IT game:
The classic game is for 2 players. Give each player the same number of cards, setting the spares aside. Have each player turn over one card and race to find the image that appears on both cards. Whoever finds the image first wins both cards, and they are added to their pile. If you lose all your cards, you are out. If you want to stop the game, then the player with the most cards is declared the winner.

To play the Not Herod game:
In this version of the game, the children are sat in a circle and need to swap cards with their neighbours. The aim is to collect 3 (or 4) of the same image. Scattered throughout the cards are 5 of each image. The only set you don’t want is Herod – but beware, you may need one card with Herod on it to complete your set!

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The parable of the Rich fool has so much imagery we can use. It’s a great story for harvest about the power of sharing rather than hoarding resources, it’s also a parable that comes from a very common question that rabbi’s would be asked. These games use both those ideas to give you a range of activities, choose the best for your space, age range and time available.

This is part of a single lesson pack, all ready to print and go.

Wobbly Barns

All Ages

Small group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Can be seated

This is a building game: click on the image for the full post with instructions and PDF download. Older children can use the template to make simple barn structure pieces. Once they have made their towering barn, get them to repeat it on a slight slope, one-handed or with another ‘handicap’. For younger children, find smooth building blocks and challenge them to make a tall tower.

Question treasure hunt

All Ages

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

This is a lovely, simple activity, but it does take some time to set up. Children search and find a question whose answer tells them where to find the next piece of treasure, alongside the piece of treasure (a jigsaw piece works well) is another question whose answer is the location of the next piece of treasure and so on. Link to questions leading to truths.

Divide and share

Under 7’s

Any size group

No Setup time

Quiet game

Can be seated

Sit the children in a circle or round a table and give each child a piece of paper. Ask them to fold it in half as many times as they can. 8 is the limit. Talk about how small we managed to make the piece of paper by keeping it together. Now get them to open their piece of paper up and tear it in half, placing one half in the middle of the circle. Repeat this until you have just a tiny piece of paper. How many times did they tear their paper when they give it away?

Lean on me

Ages 7+

Big group

No Setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

A bit like a human domino tumble, this exercise relies on sharing the strength of those next to you, so is ideal for a group of kids with a similar build. Have everyone stand in a circle and join hands (hold each other’s wrists if hands are unsuitable for your group). Slowly have the group lean to the right, left, or backwards supporting each other’s weight.

Pass the parcel

All Ages

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Can be seated

This classic game is a great exercise in sharing, both because the game doesn’t work unless everyone plays, but also because in sharing you don’t always get the big reward at the end. Try to make the main prize an item that the ‘winner’ has the option of sharing out or keeping for themselves.

The big action the rich fool does in this parable is to build barns, and this game / creative challenge lets your youngsters do the same. Stacking up layers using these little flimsy paper barn pieces can be a real challenge. There are many suggestions at the end of the post to make this a little tougher for older groups, many that may make them look more fool-ish.

This is part of a single lesson pack, all ready to print and go.

To make this craft, you will need the 1-page template printout, scissors, and some paper glue.

The construction is a simple. Cut out the walls and the floor/roof pieces.

Fold the walls – this is optional, you could have round barns if you prefer.

Add a touch of glue to the tab and complete the tube shape.

Little barns are made of one tube shape and a roof/floor piece

Keep stacking, how high can you go…

Ways to make it more interesting – one hand, one eye, using your feet, kitchen tongues or chopsticks, sloping surface, blindfolded and directed by others…

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A4 size
(210 x 297 mm)

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The centurion teaches us the amazing power of Jesus’ word for all of us who aren’t fortunate to have seen him face to face. These games build on that theme of messengers, healing by faith not touch, the power of instructions and the identity of the healed man.

This is part of a single lesson pack, all ready to print and go.

Contact-less

Ages 7+

Any size group

No Setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

In pairs, hold your hands up roughly 20 cm apart: remind the follower they must maintain the distance, then have the lead person move their hands, the follower should echo their movements. Add in arms, torso, legs, head or try adding people.

Link: The centurion knew that power doesn’t always need to touch us to make us move.

The Centurion Says…

Under 7’s

Any size group

No Setup time

Noisy game

Can be seated

A “Simon says” variant. The leader states “The centurion said…” followed by an action “…jump up and down” – the children then follow the order -but only if the centurion said so.

Link: The power of words can be in who speaks them.

Whispers

All Ages

Big group

No Setup time

Quiet game

Can be seated

Traditionally known as Chinese whispers, this game is the classic idea of message sending and the different words that are received. Have the children send a message along a line by whispering it to each other, and see what message comes out at the end.

Link: The message that the centurion sent was simple, and the faith he displayed is about understanding the importance of the message and not the messenger.

I’m known for… You’re known for…

All Ages

Small group

No Setup time

Noisy game

Can be seated

A quick miming/charades type game where the people take turns to mine something that people associate with them. For younger groups, simply mime the action (writing, singing, football, being quiet) but older groups can use the rules of charades to compose longer messages. Once everyone has had a turn, repeat with the youngsters miming for each other.

Link: Both gospel accounts talk about the sick man as being known for his dedication to the synagogue.

Obstacle relay

All Ages

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

Set up a simple relay race, throwing in a few obstacles to climb over, crawl under, navigate across or swerve round.

Link: the message to Jesus from the centurion was passed through many people.

Like Aaron and the Israelite’s we have all experienced hunger (at least on some level) and know how grumpy it can make people. This story of divine providence gives us some real, tangible props to tie into our games. Select the game that best suits your group age range and setup.

Gathering manna

All Ages

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

Spread popcorn kernels around the room and have the kids collect them. You can use unpopped, or you can cook the “manna” and talk about how real manna may have tasted (like honey wafers). For younger groups, use a clean sheet and pre-popped popcorn.

Manna and more

Ages 7+

Small group

Requires setup time

Quiet game

Can be seated

Click on the image to download the PDF of this activity. Cut out then hand out the odd shaped manna pieces. Get the kids to make groups greater than 4. The challenge is to join the pieces together to make a quail (the bird shape appears in the gap between 4 pieces). Talk about how God gave the people food when there was no natural source for them in the desert.

Quail catch

All Ages

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

Use a stuffed animal or soft ball to represent the quail in this variation of ‘piggy in the middle’. The quail would have flown close to the ground and been caught by throwing sheets or baskets over them. Gently throw your ‘quail’ from person to person, to simulate the flying bird. Give your catchers towels they can throw over the quail to ‘catch’ it.

Grumble ball

All Ages

Any size group

Requires setup time

Noisy game

Space needed

This is a discussion activity with a game thrown in. Explain that Moses led God’s people, and so he was the one they went to with their problems and their complaints. Label a large basket or container ‘complaints’ on one side and ‘prayers’ on the other – make sure the kids can only see the complaints label. Give the youngsters a pile of papers and have them take one and scrunch it up into a ball to throw into a basket while naming something that they may complain about. Once the paper has been used up, turn the basket around. If they had known these were prayers, would they have complained about the same things? Link to story – the people grumbled to Moses, but God said they were really grumbling at him.

Taste trial

All Ages

Small group

Requires setup time

Quiet game

Can be seated

Take various foods and have the youngsters try them blindfolded. (If possible, include honey and crackers) Can they identify what they are? Did they like the taste? How would they have felt about eating the same food every day?

New Testament

Old Testament

Resource Type

Season

Water the camels

Rebekah’s Shadow

Obstacle course

Behind the veil

Find Rebekah

Catch the light

Long burn

Blind mans buff

Uncover my light

High glow

Under the baskets

Match it!

Not Herod

Save the crown

Finding the Christ

Supporting limbs

Wobbly Barns

Question treasure hunt

Divide and share

Lean on me

Pass the parcel

Contact-less

The Centurion Says…

Whispers

I’m known for… You’re known for…

Obstacle relay

Gathering manna

Manna and more

Quail catch

Grumble ball

Taste trial

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