You probably don’t need another list of ideas for keeping your kids entertained. It seems that every organization under the sun has produced a list of a ways to keep kids active during the COVID-19 lockdown. There are plenty of great ideas out there and, unless your Google is broken, you can easily find them.
The list below is not a list of original kid’s activities. Instead, it is a suggested formula for how to make the most of the opportunities we have been given by applying one of the most important parenting passages in the Bible. The passage:
And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. – Deuteronomy 6:6-7
God instructs parents to teach His Words to their children. He says to “talk of them” in the context of everyday life. Right now, the context of everyday life is cabin fever. So how can you you treat the cabin fever and teach your kids God’s Word at the same time? That’s where the formula comes in.
Bible Story + Activity + Fun = Training Your Kids in God’s Word
It’s not complex, but by combining play and the Bible you and your kids can learn God’s Word together in a way that doesn’t feel like pulling teeth. Below are some tips and examples of what this could look like.
Tips
- Aim for 90% fun and 10% story. This isn’t a lecture. It is a way to link stories from the Bible with things that your kids would love to do anyway.
- Depending on the length of the Bible story or passage and the age of your kids, you may want to read directly from a Bible or Children’s Bible or just paraphrase.
- If an idea bombs, shake it off. Learn from it and try another idea later.
Examples
|
Scripture |
Story or Verse |
Activity |
|
Isaiah 40:31 |
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” |
Check out the Live Bald Eagle Cam at Big Bear (careful, it’s more addicting than you’d think). |
|
The Battle of Jericho |
Recreate the wall of Jericho with blocks or Legos. Of course, you’ll want to be prepared to knock it all down. |
|
|
Proverbs 6:6-8 |
“Go to the ant, you sluggard; consider its ways and be wise! It has no commander, no overseer or ruler, yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.” |
Make a habitat for ants and other bugs your kids can find. Notice how hard working the ants are. Bonus: Watch The Grasshopper and the Ants. |
|
Mark 6:30-44 |
Jesus Feeds the 5,000 |
Homemade bread is trending right now. Find a recipe you like online and go for it! |
|
Daniel 6: 1-28 |
Daniel in the Lion’s Den |
Build an Epic Fort! Get your money’s worth by having a movie night with popcorn in the fort. |
|
Genesis 6:9-22 |
Noah Builds the Ark |
If your kids are old enough, give them scrap wood and supplies and see what they can build. |
|
1 Samuel 17:1-58 |
David and Goliath |
Dodgeball. Need I say more? |
|
Hebrews 12:1-3 |
“…let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith…” |
Design an Obstacle Course! Time how long it takes your kids to complete the course. See if they can beat their previous times. |
|
Matthew 13:1-8,18-23 |
The Parable of the Sower |
Plant something together. If your kids have great patience, start with seeds. If that’s not their strong suit, start with potted plants. |
|
Matthew 6:25-34 |
“I tell you, do not worry about your life… Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.” |
Build a bird feeder (See Kids Mid-Week Activity #1). |
