Description
Turn the story of Jonah and the Whale into an engaging, hands-on adventure with this delightful scavenger hunt craft! Your students will create their own big fish while learning about God’s amaizng plan for Jonah.
What’s Included:
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Whale coloring page (large format for easy cutting and stapling)
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Jonah coloring figure (optional for younger children)
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9 adorable sea creatures for the scavenger hunt:
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Cheerful jellyfish
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Clownfish
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Friendly crab
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Pufferfish
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Blue tang fish
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Green fish
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Tropical striped fish
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Smiling starfish
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Seahorse
Instructions: Preparation (5-10 minutes):
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Print one whale per child and enough sea creatures for your group size
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For younger children (ages 3-6), pre-cut the whales
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Cut out sea creatures and sort into separate envelopes by type
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Hide the animal envelopes around your room/space
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Keep the Jonah envelope with you
Activity Steps:
Step 1: Create the Whale Craft (10 minutes)
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Children color their whale (and Jonah, if desired)
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Help children cut out their whale if needed
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Staple around the edges, leaving the mouth opening free to create a pocket
Step 2: The Great Hunt (10-15 minutes)
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Explain whales/big fish eat many things
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Send children to find the hidden envelopes around the room
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Each child collects one of each sea creature type
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Children place their findings inside their whale’s mouth
Step 3: The Big Reveal (5 minutes)
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Gather children and hold up your special envelope
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Ask: “What do you think is in my envelope?”
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Reveal Jonah and discuss how God used the whale/big fish to save Jonah
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Children add Jonah to their whale craft
Perfect For:
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Ages 3-10 (adaptable for different skill levels)
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Group sizes 4-20 children
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Time needed: 25-30 minutes
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Sunday School lessons on obedience and God’s plan
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VBS craft stations
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Children’s church activities
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Home Bible study groups
Learning Objectives:
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Retell the story of Jonah and the whale
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Understand themes of obedience and second chances
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Practice following directions and working together
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Develop fine motor skills through cutting and coloring
Materials needed (not included): Crayons/markers, scissors, stapler, small envelopes
Transform Bible learning into an unforgettable adventure that children will treasure long after the lesson ends!
