The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders is a popular Bible story that teaches children about the importance of building their lives on a strong foundation. From dramatic role-playing games to inventive crafts and STEM experiments, these 18 parable-based activities are designed to teach children the importance of putting their faith in Jesus and living according to the teachings of God. Whether at home or in the classroom, these activities are sure to captivate and educate learners of all ages!
1. Slideshow Lesson on Builders
This colorful and visually engaging slideshow presentation is sure to capture students’ attention while teaching them the importance of building their lives on a solid foundation of faith, honesty, and personal responsibility.
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2. Write a Journal Entry About The Simple Parable
Providing learners with a journal prompt about the parable can be a great way to develop self-expression and writing skills while deepening their understanding of the core themes of the story.
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3. Try a Story Sequencing Activity in Class
This hands-on activity challenges kids to place the sequence cards in the correct order to illustrate their understanding of the story. Sequencing not only allows them to develop their comprehension skills and memory retention but also strengthens their language abilities as they practice retelling the story in their own words.
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4. Sing a Foolish and Wise Builder Song
Led by two kids, this catchy Bible song is an uplifting way to develop music skills such as rhythm and harmony while bringing students together in a community of faith and values.
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5. Bible Verse Word Search
Apart from reinforcing the key moral ideas from the parable, a word search is a fantastic way to enhance cognitive skills such as memory and problem-solving while developing patience and focus.
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6. Practice Verse Review With a Game of Bingo
Playing a game of Bingo is a fun way to review the concepts from the parable and encourage students to apply the key values in their own lives. It can also improve listening skills as players have to pay careful attention to the words and phrases that are called out.
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7. Review the Memory Verse with a Crossword
Solving a crossword puzzle can not only improve vocabulary, spelling skills, and reading comprehension but can also boost problem-solving skills as kids are challenged to think critically to decipher each clue.
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8. Wise and Foolish Builder Craft Idea
This simple craft provides a memorable visual reference to the core lesson of the parable. To start, glue the text heading on the construction paper before having kids glue four craft sticks to create the house shape for the wise builder and break another two sticks to illustrate the foolish builder’s house.
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9. Coloring Activity Sheet
Coloring pages can not only help kids develop their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, but also provide a mindful brain break, thus helping to reduce stress and creating a more calming learning environment.
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10. Read a Favorite Story Book
This easy-to-understand story features rhyming text, colorful illustrations, and engaging language that teaches the importance of building one’s life on a firm foundation of trust in the teachings of Christ.
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11. Act Out the Parable
Most kids love acting, so why not engage in dramatic play to help them remember key values in the story while expressing their imagination and creativity?
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12. Try a Fun Game
In this fun and hands-on game, kids read cards depicting different life choices such as reading a bible or lying to others and deciding if they reflect building a strong foundation or a house on sand.
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13. Create a Mini Book
Kids can fold and color this mini-book before reading it independently or in pairs. This engaging activity can be combined with a class discussion or comprehension questions to strengthen scriptural understanding.
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14. Dot-to-Dot
Apart from enhancing hand-eye coordination and developing fine motor skills, this dot-to-dot activity helps improve number recognition and counting skills.
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15. Play a Game
After cutting out the figures and gluing them to popsicles or craft sticks, read out the temptation scenario cards and have them hold up the correct figure depending on whether a wise or foolish choice is being described.
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16. Try a STEM Building Activity
For this STEM activity, prepare one tray with rocks and the other with molded sand before inviting kids to build houses with Legos or blocks of their choice. Next, they can use squirt bottles to spray on the two houses to symbolize the different temptations they may face along life’s journey.
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17. Try a Sand Craft
After creating the dough using flour, salt, and water, allow it to dry before inviting kids to create handprints on it. Next, add pebbles or rocks to the dough to symbolize building their house on solid rock. This clever craft makes for a wonderful keepsake and reminder of the key message of the parable.
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18. Watch a YouTube Video
This animated and engaging video features a simple narrative that emphasizes the importance of building a life that honors the teachings of Jesus instead of succumbing to the temptations of the world.
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