Optional Activities On-the-Spot Time Fillers that Teach
At times when an adult service may run long, or during holidays or when the weather changes, children may have extra energy and need a break. Consider using or adapting some of these activities to fill time or to “get out the wiggles.”
Drop the Hanky
Children stand in circle. One child moves around the outside of the circle carrying a hanky. When he drops it behind a child, that child follows him around the circle. The first child takes the place of the second child who then becomes “It.” Application: Drop a lesson-related item.
I Spy
Children sit together and close eyes as the leader hides a lesson-related item so it is visible. Children open eyes and look for item. When they see it, they raise their hands and point it out.
Hide the Thimble
Children should close their eyes as the leader hides a thimble in the room. They try to find the thimble. The leader gives hints, such as, “Amy is warm. Luke is cold.” The child finding the thimble may hide it. Application: Hide a lesson-related object. The child finding it may answer a question or name an item or person from the lesson.
Dog and Bone
One child sits in a chair with his back to other children. A “bone” is beneath his chair. One child “steals” the bone and returns to his seat. “It” tries to guess who has the bone. Application: “Steal” lesson-related item, such as the jug that David took from King Saul.
Freeze
Children listen to music as they walk in a circle. When the music stops, the children freeze in place. Application: Play lesson-related music. When it stops, children freeze and say the memory verse.
Fall 2020
Musical Chairs
Children sit in a circle of chairs which have been placed back to back. Provide enough chairs for all but one child. While music plays they walk around the circle. When the music stops, all but one child should find a seat. Application: The child left standing may say the memory verse or respond to a question. Vary the game by passing lesson-related items as the music plays.
Beanbag Toss
Children toss a beanbag into a container. The container may have a lesson-related picture or object attached. If the child succeeds, he may answer a question or name a person or object from the lesson.
Bowling
Make bowling pins from two-liter soft drink bottles. When a child says the memory verse or answers a lesson-related question, he may take a turn bowling.
Memory Game
Make matching picture cards. Mount them onto poster board. Place them facedown. The children take turns turning over two at a time. If the cards match, they may keep them; if not, the cards are turned facedown again. Look for other games that can be adapted to reinforce lesson truths. Consider storing supplies and games in boxes on shelves or in closets for easy access.
Teachable Treats
Cut a lesson-related shape from a piece of bread, lunch meat, and cheese slice using a cookie cutter or knife. Allow the children to build a sandwich or add toppings to their treat. (Always remember to check for food allergies before serving any snack.) Toppings could include peanut butter, shredded coconut, icing, granola, raisins, candies, or mini marshmallows. Ask review questions from the lesson as the children enjoy their treats.
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