Teaching Kids About the Calling of the Disciples with Crafts

Engaging children in biblical stories can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. Craft activities offer a unique, hands-on approach to teaching these narratives, making them more memorable and relatable.

Incorporating crafts into lessons about the calling of the disciples not only helps kids understand the story but also allows them to connect with it on a personal level.

This article explores creative ways to use crafts for teaching this pivotal moment in Christian teachings effectively.

The Calling of the First Disciples

The story of the calling of the first disciples is a foundational narrative in the New Testament, illustrating the moment when Jesus began to gather his closest followers. According to the Gospels, Jesus called ordinary fishermen—Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John—to leave their nets and follow him. This act of leaving behind their livelihoods to embark on a spiritual journey underscores the transformative power of faith and commitment.

The setting of this story is the Sea of Galilee, a bustling hub of fishing activity. Jesus approached Simon Peter and Andrew as they were casting their nets into the water. He invited them to become “fishers of men,” a metaphor that resonated deeply with their daily lives. This invitation was not just a call to follow but a call to a new purpose, one that would redefine their identities and missions.

James and John, the sons of Zebedee, were also called while mending their nets. Their immediate response to Jesus’ call, leaving their father and their boat, highlights the urgency and allure of Jesus’ message. This narrative emphasizes the theme of immediate and wholehearted response to divine calling, a lesson that remains relevant for believers today.

Craft Ideas for Teaching the Calling

Engaging children through crafts can make the story of the disciples’ calling come alive in a way that words alone cannot. One way to capture their attention is by creating a “Fishers of Men” mobile. This craft utilizes simple materials like paper plates, string, and colorful construction paper. By decorating paper fish and attaching them to a mobile, children can visualize the concept of becoming “fishers of men.” This activity not only fosters creativity but also reinforces the metaphor in a tangible form.

Another engaging activity involves making a “Net of Faith.” Using yarn and popsicle sticks, children can construct their own nets. They can then write or draw things that represent their faith on small paper fish and attach them to the net. This craft serves a dual purpose: it helps children understand the significance of nets in the story and encourages them to reflect on their personal beliefs and values.

For a more interactive experience, consider a “Follow Me” footprint path. Children can trace and cut out their own footprints, which they can then decorate with markers and stickers. These footprints can be laid out to form a path, symbolizing the journey of following a new calling. This hands-on activity not only keeps children engaged but also deepens their understanding of the disciples’ decision to follow Jesus.

Incorporating storytelling props can also add an extra layer of engagement. For example, creating simple costumes or props like fishing rods from sticks and string can help children act out the story. This role-playing exercise allows them to immerse themselves in the narrative, making it more memorable and meaningful.

Step-by-Step Craft Instructions

Creating a “Fishers of Men” mobile begins with gathering materials like a sturdy paper plate, scissors, and an assortment of colorful construction paper. Start by cutting the paper plate in half and decorating it with markers, stickers, or paint to resemble the Sea of Galilee. Once the base is ready, cut out fish shapes from the construction paper. These fish can be as simple or intricate as you like, allowing for a range of creativity based on the children’s age and skill levels.

Next, punch holes along the curved edge of the paper plate and attach pieces of string to each hole. The lengths of the strings can vary, giving the mobile a dynamic look. Tie the other end of each string to a paper fish. To add a layer of educational value, encourage the children to write or draw something meaningful on each fish, perhaps a quality they admire in the disciples or a personal goal they wish to pursue. This personal touch helps connect the craft to the story, making it more than just an art project.

For the “Net of Faith” craft, you’ll need yarn, popsicle sticks, and small pieces of paper. Begin by creating a simple frame with the popsicle sticks, gluing them together in a square or rectangular shape. Once the frame is secure, weave the yarn back and forth across the frame to form a net. This process can be a bit intricate, so it’s perfect for developing fine motor skills. Once the net is complete, children can cut out small shapes—such as stars, hearts, or even more fish—from the paper. These shapes can then be decorated with drawings or words that represent elements of their faith or aspects of the disciples’ story.

To bring the “Follow Me” footprint path to life, start with large sheets of construction paper in various colors. Have the children trace their feet onto the paper and cut out the shapes. After decorating the footprints with markers, glitter, or stickers, they can write messages or draw symbols that resonate with the story of the disciples’ calling. These footprints can then be laid out in a sequence, forming a path that symbolizes the journey of faith and following a calling. This visual and physical representation helps children internalize the lesson, making it more impactful.

Discussion Questions for Children

Engaging children in meaningful discussions after completing their crafts can deepen their understanding and personal connection to the story. Begin by asking, “What do you think it felt like for those who were invited to follow Jesus?” This question encourages children to put themselves in the shoes of the characters, fostering empathy and imaginative thinking. By reflecting on the emotions and thoughts of the individuals in the narrative, children can better grasp the significance of their decisions.

Next, explore the concept of leaving behind something important. Ask, “Can you think of a time when you had to give up something to do something you believed in?” This question helps children relate their own experiences to those in the story, making the lesson more relevant to their lives. It also opens up a conversation about sacrifice and dedication, themes that are universally understood and valued.

To delve deeper into the idea of calling and purpose, pose the question, “What are some things you feel called to do or become?” This encourages children to think about their own aspirations and dreams, drawing parallels between their personal goals and the disciples’ new purpose. It also allows them to articulate their ambitions, fostering a sense of self-awareness and direction.