Build a story set for a Bible story using a construction toy e.g. Duplo, Lego, Jenga blocks). Plan the route the characters will take through the set. We built a set for the story of Ehud using Duplo and Lego combined. We then created characters for Ehud and the king, and played out the story […]
I ran a couple of really fun parties during Lock Down and it’s definitely possible to keep it simple and therefore easy to run! Here are some keys to keeping it fun: Be intentional Before you start to plan your party, as with a face to face event, it’s crucial that you clarify what you’re […]
Draw faces on wooden spoons and use them to tell Bible stories! We created these together, making a collection of men and women (and some other odd characters!). We tried out using a pyrography pen, but a) it was very VERY hot so I didn’t feel comfortable letting my 8 and 10 year olds use […]
I was recently looking at the Benedictus, otherwise known as the words Zechariah says on the birth of his son, John the Baptist in Luke 1:67-79. It’s a powerful passage, although not as well-known as Mary’s song a few verses earlier in the chapter. As I looked at it, I started to see connections with […]
I love having opportunities for an open-ended, self-chosen response to a Bible passage or story. It’s a great way to give each other space to develop our own relationship with God in line with the type of person he’s made us. If you spend time at a beach or play park with sand, you could […]
Naomi Elliott is helping children play as a way of learning and growing in their faith. She’s passionate about open-ended play (where children are free to create their own rules and meaning) and using natural and easy-to-come-by items rather than expensive, bought items. Naomi is married to a vicar and has two boys, ages 5 and […]
Make the Easter story come alive using easy-to-make puppets! Updated February 2022 I first did these activities when my children were toddlers. At that time, I used The Easter Story book from The Book People, which is sadly no longer available. I loved this activity so much I created my own set of GodVenture Easter […]
I don’t know about your children, but mine love things in boxes. So here’s an Easter activity in a box. I’ve used it with my children since they were toddlers, but the simplicity of it lends itself to use with all ages, including adults. And the repetition of using it each year, gives a depth […]
My children love small world play. When they play with Lego, they make models then use them to create a world and tell a story. They love Play Mobil (although not as much as me!), and any sort of small toy they can tell stories with, so this is an easy way for me to […]
“I do it! I do it BY MYSELF!” It’s a cry we often here from young children, desperate to be independent and master skills. It’s something my husband and I chose to intentionally nurture when our children were young, especially as they are only 18 months apart in age. I remember number 1 coming into […]
