K-2 Catechism: Jonah And The Whale
Updated: May 22
Weekly Lesson Plan: K-2 Catechism Jonah and the Whale Jonah 1-2
To start the lesson, gather the children in a circle and introduce them to the story of Jonah and the Whale. Explain that Jonah was a prophet who made the decision to run away from God, but eventually learned an important lesson. Encourage the children to listen attentively to the story and think about the lessons they can learn from Jonah's experience.
Before or after the story, let the children color or paint the scenes to help them remember or reflect on the events in the story.
Lesson Focus 1: Jonah Runs Away from God
Read aloud: "Jonah and the Fish" by Dandi Daley Mackall or any children’s book about Jonah and the Whale - Discuss the story with the children, asking questions like:
Why do you think Jonah tried to run away from God? What happened when Jonah tried to escape? What do you think Jonah learned from this experience?
Arts and Crafts Activity: Create a paper boat
- Provide construction paper, markers, and scissors. - Instruct the children to fold the construction paper into a boat shape and decorate it. - Encourage them to write the word "obey" on the boat as a reminder of Jonah's lesson.
Physical Activity: "Follow the Leader"
- Have the children take turns being the leader and guiding the others through different movements and actions. - Emphasize the importance of following the leader, just like Jonah needed to follow God's instructions. Lesson Focus 2: Jonah's Prayer and the Whale
Read aloud: "Jonah and the Big Fish" by Rhonda Gowler Greene
- Discuss the story with the children, asking questions like: How do you think Jonah felt inside the whale? Why do you think Jonah prayed to God? What happened after Jonah prayed?
Arts and Crafts Activity: Create a whale collage
- Provide construction paper, magazines, scissors, and glue. - Instruct the children to cut out pictures of whales from the magazines and glue them onto the construction paper. - Encourage them to add their own drawings or decorations to the collage.
Physical Activity: "Simon Says"
- Play a game of "Simon Says" with the children, incorporating actions related to the story of Jonah and the whale. - Use phrases like "Simon says swim like a fish" or "Simon says pray like Jonah." Lesson Focus 3: Jonah's Lesson and God's Mercy
Read aloud: "Jonah and the Whale" by Susan Collins Thoms - Discuss the story with the children, asking questions like: What do you think Jonah learned from his experience? How do you think Jonah felt when God showed him mercy? Why is it important to listen to and obey God?
Arts and Crafts Activity: Create a forgiveness craft
- Provide construction paper, markers, and stickers. - Instruct the children to write or draw something they are sorry for on the construction paper. - Encourage them to decorate the paper with stickers as a symbol of God's forgiveness.
Physical Activity: "Musical Chairs"
- Play a game of "Musical Chairs" with the children, emphasizing the importance of following instructions and being obedient.
Recipe for Toddlers and Preschoolers: "Fishy Crackers Snack"
Ingredients:
- Fish-shaped crackers
- Cream cheese or peanut butter
- Raisins or chocolate chips (optional)
- Instructions:
1. Spread a small amount of cream cheese or peanut butter on each fish-shaped cracker.
2. Optional: Decorate the crackers with raisins or chocolate chips to create eyes and a mouth.
3. Serve the fishy crackers snack to the children, emphasizing the connection to the story of Jonah and the whale.
Note: Please consider any dietary restrictions or allergies the children may have when preparing the recipe.
More resources for this lesson:
FREE Printable Jonah and The Whale Activity Pack
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