CRAFT
Not all children, or leaders, are creative but most will enjoy the active process of making something.
It is generally wise to choose projects that are well within the capability of most of your group – the aim is usually to reinforce your teaching and to have fun and you don’t want to spend hours in advance preparing the activity, or precious group time that you could spend talking with the children rushing from child to child threading needles or helping cut out intricate shapes. If you are making crafts to keep or gifts that do need to be more ‘finished’ then enlist extra helpers for your session.
All of these books give instructions for crafts that have Biblical references or themes.
Extreme crafts for Messy Churches
Sub-titled 50 Activity Ideas for the Adventurous, this book is divided into five sections – big stuff, construction crafts, science crafts, arty crafts and edible crafts – with an appendix on planning a male-friendly Messy Church.
Mark Chester, founder of Who Let the Dads Out?, says: I am by nature a craft sceptic. Glue, glitter and sequins are not easy for a bloke with big hands to cope with, but, within a few pages of the start of this book, Pete and Barry had won me over with their promise of the ‘extreme activities’ to come. I was not disappointed. I wanted to try building a fruit catapult, walking on eggs and mixing up some Oobleck (read the book to find out what that is!). I can still recall the excitement I felt as a child when discovering invisible ink, and now I’m desperate to give it a go again. The guidance in the back of the book about planning a male-friendly Messy Church is great stuff, but, as with the rest of the book, it’s not only relevant to Messy Churches. Whatever group for families you run – Messy Church, Who Let the Dads Out? or any other – I wholeheartedly recommend this book to you.
Sue says: This book is great if you want ideas for activities for children and families that go beyond your usual craft table and games. Not only will they have an appeal to dads and boys who come along to your groups (and many girls and mums as well!), but they should help you get more men into your team of helpers.
Hands on Bible creativity
(Tracy Woodsford, Scripture Union)
Using 25 creative craft activities, this photocopiable resource will encourage individuals and groups of all ages to use their gifts, skills and imagination to grow in their understanding of the Bible and God.
Paper plate Bible crafts
(Anita Reith Stohs, Barnabas)
58 easy to do ideas for 5-7s each using a paper plate and other readily available materials. Each craft has accompanying Bible references, things to talk about and other Bible stories for which it could be used. Includes photocopy permission.
The encyclopedia of Bible crafts
(Barnabas)
187 crafts with at least one for every book of the Bible. Each craft includes step-by-step instructions and teaching points. They are easy to prepare, easy to do – with age-level icons help identify appropriate crafts – and generally require little equipment or materials.
Tiddlywinks glitter and glue
(Scripture Union)
2014 conference recommendation by Alison Clark & Claire Wells
101 crafts designed for preschoolers and all linked to a Bible passage. Includes templates. Photocopiable.
Tiddlywinks make and do
(Scripture Union)
More than 40 types of art and craft; more than 120 Bible-based art and craft activities; four fun projects; helpful tips and practical advice; and, Bible and faith growth points.
Ultimate craft
(Kathryn Copsey and Christine Orme, Scripture Union)
Hundreds of ideas in clearly categorised sections. The book is navigable either by type of craft or by subject, and there is a comprehensive index at the back to help out. There are different levels of complexity – some ideas are simple and quick to prepare, others require more time, preparation or resources. Includes diagrams and photocopiable templates plus tips on the kind of craft resources to keep handy and putting together a craft box for your group.
Parent Toddler Groups Together
A Facebook page full of ideas of crafts for toddlers.