One Plus One Equals Three
Group Activities

Sermon Title: "One Plus One Equals Three"

Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:15-20

CHAIN OF THREE:

Children will divide into groups of 3 and as the teacher tells the groups what to do, they will continue in that activity until the whistle blows and then the children will change ONE person of their group with another child from another group and then do another activity as the teacher tells them to. Continue as time allows. Activities for the groups of 3 to do could be hopping, skipping, jumping, climbing, etc but the children cannot disconnect while doing the activities in their groups of 3 until its time to change partners.

THREE LEGGED RACES:

The children can pair up in teams of two and use a string or scarf to tie two of their legs together as they stand next to each other. Then teams will RUN in a race to the finish line and back. If the teacher doesn't want to do this as a race, the children can just run or walk together in an area while the teacher plays music, etc.

RUNNING CIRCLE:

All the children can run around an area until the teacher blows the whistle. When they hear the whistle, they'll quickly get into a circle around one of the words on the floor that says JESUS. These colorful words that say JESUS in very large letters can be placed in various areas of the designated area (even outside on a large parking lot if available. When children are in a circle around the JESUS word, they will recite today's Bible verse. Continue to play the game of RUNNING CIRCLE as time allows.

2 X 2:

Children will be divided into groups of 2 and will hunt for the word JESUS on many different items (such as a book, a chair, a door). When each group of 2 find the word JESUS, they they will have their "2 + 1" group and will recite today's Bible verse and then run to find another word JESUS and do the same. Let children hunt several times before returning to the classroom table.

BALL BOUNCING X 3:

Children can throw a ball against the side of the building or a wall that is approved to do this activity and then let it bounce just THREE times only and then catch. The teacher can make many variations to this game but mostly just remember to let the children know that the number THREE is very important in today's lesson.

1+1=3 BANNER:

Give all the children a piece of construction paper and markers, stickers and glitter to make a large banner with 1+1=3 in the middle and words from today's lesson around the edges and hang on the classroom wall or in areas of the church or learning area. Make sure children have printed today's Bible verse on their banner in the area of their choice.

JESUS BADGE OR BUTTON:

Children can be given supplies to make a round circle to write, JESUS AND ME IS A MAJORITY, or 1+1=3, or today's Bible verse. Tape or hot glue a safety pin to the back for children to wear on their shirt. Children will enjoy coloring their button or badge as well.

FOLD OUT CHILDREN:

Children can fold a piece of construction paper 4 times and then trace and cut out the outline of a person - without cutting on the folded areas so that the 'children-cutout' will be hooked together when unfolded. Tell children to make sure there are 3 children hooked together to remind them of today's lesson and Bible verse. Children can add faces and buttons on 2 cut outs and write JESUS in bright colors on the 3rd cutout.

FINGERPRINTS X 3:

Give children ink pads and construction paper with today's Bible verse printed at the top or for children to write on the top of the paper. Then children will make finger prints in groups of 3, all around the piece of paper. Children may, if desired, use a pen or thin marker to add hair, arms, legs and face to their fingerprints.

STICKERS IN 3:

Children will enjoy working together for a large poster board of stickers.Title the poster board with today's Bible verse. Each child will be given 3 identical stickers to place together on the poster board. They will take turns going to the board to place their stickers in one area and trying to recite today's Bible verse. Then the next child will place their stickers in another area and recite the Bible verse. Continue for all children to have their turn.

SING A SONG:

I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS; JESUS LOVES ME; JESUS LOVES THE LITTLE CHILDREN

SHARE A SNACK:

Give the children 3 lollipops or other such candies or pencils, etc, that could be tied together with a string or ribbon and handed out to children as they leave the classroom.

Song: "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus"

Words and Music (pdf)

MP3 Accompaniment Track

Song: "Jesus Loves Me"

Words and Music (pdf)

MP3 Accompaniment Track

These songs are in the public domain and may be freely copied and reproduced.