The Bible - Activities & Crafts (Lesson #4)
Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:15- And that from a babe you have known the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Younger & Older Children – Potted Cactus
*ATTENTION: SOME PREPARATION NEEDED PRIOR TO CONFERENCE SESSION
** BEGIN THIS CRAFT AS SOON AS MOST CHILDREN HAVE ARRIVED, SINCE EXTRA TIME IS NEEDED FOR THE GLUE TO DRY
Materials needed:
- Memory Verse printed onto Avery 5160 or 8160 Mailing Labels prior to session*
- Cardstock cut into 1 ½” x 3 ½” rectangles, helpful if cut prior to session*
- Cactus template (click here to print) printed onto green cardstock, PRE-CUT FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN*
- 8”x12” or 12”x12” green cardstock, 1 sheet per child (we ordered in bulk from Joann Fabrics, Michaels or Hobby Lobby – look for coupons)
- Colored drinking straws, cut into ½-1” pieces
- Colored tissue paper, cut into 1.5” squares
- Assorted pony beads
- Crinkle-cut brown craft paper (found in gift wrap section or buy bulk from Amazon)
- Colored plastic drinking cups (like Solo-brand Cups)
- Scissors
- Hole punch
- Yarn or string, cut into 16” lengths
- Small stone or something to weigh down the drinking cup, optional but helpful
- Q-tips or cotton swabs
- All-purpose glue
- Pen or pencil
Instructions:
- Hand each child a rectangle cardstock, a Memory Verse label, and a pencil or pen.
- Have them affix the Memory Verse to the cardstock, centering it and allowing room on one edge for a hole punch. Write their name on the back of the cardstock. Punch a hole at the edge of their Memory Verse card.
- Give each child the Cactus Template printed onto green cardstock. Cut the cactus shapes out, being careful to align the center slits so that the cactus will fit properly. VERY HELPFUL TO PRECUT FOR YOUNGER CHILDREN.
- Let children choose some straw pieces, colored tissue paper to glue onto cactus.
- Lay green cactus shapes flat, disassembled on the table and glue assorted straw pieces on for spikes. Wrap one piece of colored tissue paper on the end of a cotton swab, apply a small portion of glue to the paper, and place onto the cactus for flowers.
- Allow one side to dry before turning over and decorating the other side.
- Hand out a plastic cup for each child, pony beads, and yarn or string.
- Slip beads and Memory Verse onto string, wrapping the string around the cup several times. Knot the ends or tie a tight bow. Glue string in place on the cup.
- Once glue has dried, slide cactus pieces into place, aligning center slits.
- Give each child a small stone or something to weigh down the bottom of their cup to keep cactus from tipping over.
- Secure the cactus to the weight or bottom of the cup.
- Hand out a handful of brown kraft crinkle paper and place it around the base of the cactus for “soil”.