Situation Cards

This activity helps children move beyond just learning bible story facts and helps them apply God’s Word to their everyday lives.

Before meeting, the teacher writes situations on cards. During the group, the children take turns choosing cards and reading the situations. Teachers guide the conversation as the children describe what they would do in various situations.

The video instructions above use the story of The Stoning of Stephen as an example. Stephen stood up for God even though it was extremely difficult. In this example lesson, the children would explain how they would stand up for God in various situations.

Materials:

• Bible
• Pen
• Paper or card

Preparation:

1. Read the scripture containing the lesson you have chosen and decide on the theme/thought you want them to apply.
2. Write simple scenarios on cards. Be sure to consider the ages and environments of the children you teach. Don’t make the scenarios too complicated. Normal situations children might encounter are the best for this activity.

Instructions:

1. In class, place the cards face down and have the children take turns choosing a card.
2. After choosing the card, the child should read the situation out loud and then share what they would do in that particular situation.
3. The teacher should help guide the conversation and encourage the other children to contribute.

Teacher Guide:

This application activity allows the teacher to share true discipleship with students. When Christians choose to follow God’s instructions the reaction of others is often negative. It is important that the children do not assume that their decisions to follow God’s instructions always end with everyone being happy and agreeing. As teachers we can help prepare children for the fact that the world does not appreciate God or always admire those who follow Him. As the Apostle Paul instructed Timothy:

“In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:12-17, NIV

Adaptations:

• Use It For Any Lesson:
  If the bible story is about kindness then the children could tell how they would be kind in various situations. If the bible story is about forgiveness, then forgiveness would be applied to the situations the teacher has written on the cards.
• Use Pictures:
  Instead of writing situations on the cards, provide pictures from magazines and newspapers or download them from the internet. Children can explain what is happening in the picture and then share with the class what they would do if they were in that situation.
• Use Situations Familiar to Children:
  • At home with parents and siblings
  • Activities with cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents
  • Riding bikes, swimming, playing games
  • Watching television, movies or playing video games
  • Using cell phones or computers
  • Doing chores or fulfilling responsibilities
  • In the classroom at school
  • On the playground at school
  • At the park
  • On holiday or vacation
  • At the market or shops
  • In worship or Bible class