the Good Shepherd Crafts for Kids
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Teaching children about Jesus as the Good Shepherd is a meaningful way to connect children with important biblical principles. Crafts are an engaging and interactive way to make these concepts tangible for young minds. In this article, we’ll explore creative and simple craft ideas that emphasize Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd who guides and cares for His flock and the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.
1. Cotton Ball Lamb Craft
Purpose: Teach children about Jesus as the Lamb of God.
Materials Needed:
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Cotton balls
- Glue
- Markers or crayons
- Googly eyes (optional)
Instructions:
- Draw or print a lamb template onto the paper.
- Have kids glue cotton balls all over the body of the lamb.
- Add googly eyes or draw a face on the lamb.
- Write “Jesus is the Lamb of God” on the craft.
Why It’s Meaningful: This craft provides a visual connection to Jesus as the Lamb of God, emphasizing purity and sacrifice.
2. Shepherd’s Staff Craft
Purpose: Highlight Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd.
Materials Needed:
- Brown construction paper
- Scissors
- Markers or crayons
- Stickers or embellishments
Instructions:
- Cut out a shepherd’s staff shape from the construction paper.
- Let kids decorate the staff with markers, stickers, or other embellishments.
- Write “The Lord is my Shepherd” (Psalm 23:1) along the staff.
Why It’s Meaningful: This craft helps kids visualize the shepherd’s role in guiding and protecting the flock, just as Jesus does for His followers.
3. Fingerprint Sheep
Purpose: Emphasize that each person is uniquely cared for by the Good Shepherd.
Materials Needed:
- White paper
- Black markers
- Washable ink pads
Instructions:
- Have kids dip their fingers into the ink and press them onto the paper to create the bodies of sheep.
- Use markers to add legs, heads, and tails to the sheep.
- Write “We are His sheep” at the top of the page.
Why It’s Meaningful: This activity teaches children that they are uniquely loved and cared for by Jesus.
4. Paper Plate Lamb Masks
Purpose: Make learning about the Lamb of God interactive and fun.
Materials Needed:
- Paper plates
- Cotton balls
- Glue
- Scissors
- String or elastic
- Markers or crayons
Instructions:
- Cut out eye holes in the paper plate.
- Cover the plate with cotton balls using glue.
- Attach string or elastic to the sides to create a mask.
- Let kids wear their masks and role-play as the Lamb of God.
Why It’s Meaningful: This craft encourages kids to imagine what it means to follow Jesus as the Lamb of God.
5. Good Shepherd Scene Collage
Purpose: Illustrate Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd.
Materials Needed:
- Construction paper
- Glue
- Markers or crayons
- Cotton balls
- Green tissue paper or scraps
Instructions:
- Have kids draw or color a shepherd and sheep on construction paper.
- Use cotton balls to create fluffy sheep and tissue paper for grass.
- Write “The Good Shepherd” at the top.
Why It’s Meaningful: This craft brings the imagery of the Good Shepherd to life, showing Jesus caring for His flock.
6. Good Shepherd Diorama
- Materials: Shoebox, toy sheep or cotton ball sheep, grass clippings or green paper, small stick for a staff.
- Instructions:
- Turn a shoebox into a diorama of a shepherd scene, with toy or crafted sheep grazing under the shepherd’s care.
- Lesson Connection: Discuss how Jesus cares for His flock.
7. Shepherd’s Bag Craft
Purpose: Reinforce the tools a shepherd uses to protect and guide.
Materials Needed:
- Small paper bags
- Markers or crayons
- Scissors
- Construction paper
Instructions:
- Decorate the paper bag with shepherd-themed designs, such as sheep or staffs.
- Fill the bag with small cutouts of items a shepherd might use, such as a staff or food.
- Discuss how Jesus provides for and protects His flock.
Why It’s Meaningful: This craft allows kids to connect the idea of Jesus’ care with practical, tangible items.
8. Wooly Sheep Ornament
Purpose: Create a keepsake that reminds kids of Jesus as the Lamb of God.
Materials Needed:
- Cardstock
- Cotton balls
- Glue
- Ribbon or string
Instructions:
- Cut out a sheep shape from the cardstock.
- Cover the sheep with cotton balls.
- Attach a ribbon to hang the ornament.
- Write “Jesus is the Lamb of God” on the back.
Why It’s Meaningful: This craft provides a lasting reminder of Jesus’ role as the Lamb of God.
9. Sheep Cup Puppets
Purpose: Make learning interactive through storytelling.
Materials Needed:
- White paper cups
- Cotton balls
- Glue
- Googly eyes
- Black construction paper
Instructions:
- Cover the cup with cotton balls.
- Attach googly eyes and a face made from black construction paper.
- Use the cup as a puppet to act out Bible stories about the Good Shepherd.
Why It’s Meaningful: This craft brings stories to life and helps kids connect with biblical teachings.
10. Shepherd’s Crook Bookmark
- Materials: Brown pipe cleaners, ribbon, beads.
- Instructions:
- Twist a pipe cleaner into the shape of a shepherd’s crook.
- Add beads or ribbon to decorate.
- Use as a bookmark for Bible stories about the Good Shepherd.
- Lesson Connection: Encourage children to bookmark their favorite Bible verse about Jesus as the Shepherd.
11. Lost Sheep Search Game Craft
- Materials: Small lamb cutouts, markers, and a bag.
- Instructions:
- Decorate lamb cutouts together.
- Hide the lambs around the room and have children find them, symbolizing the shepherd searching for the lost sheep.
- Lesson Connection: Reinforce the message that Jesus searches for and loves all His children.
12. I Am the Good Shepherd Coloring Banner
- Materials: Large banner paper, crayons, markers, sheep stencils.
- Instructions:
- Write “I Am the Good Shepherd” on a banner.
- Let children color and add drawings of sheep, shepherds, and pastures.
- Lesson Connection: Hang it up to celebrate the message of Jesus’ care and guidance.
13. Sheep Finger Puppets
- Materials: Felt, glue, googly eyes, scissors.
- Instructions:
- Cut felt into the shape of a sheep’s body and glue it into a loop that fits over a child’s finger.
- Add a felt face, googly eyes, and small felt ears.
- Lesson Connection: Use the puppets to act out the parable of the Good Shepherd.
14. Sheep Pom Pom Craft
Materials:
- White yarn
- Black felt or construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue
- Googly eyes
- Small piece of cardboard (for making the pom-pom)
Instructions:
- Make the Pom-Pom:
- Cut a rectangular piece of cardboard (about 3 inches wide).
- Wrap white yarn around the cardboard several times until it forms a thick bundle.
- Carefully slide the yarn off the cardboard and tie a piece of yarn tightly around the center of the bundle.
- Cut through the loops on both sides of the bundle to form a fluffy pom-pom. Trim as needed to make it even.
- Create the Sheep’s Face and Legs:
- Cut a small oval shape from black felt for the face.
- Add googly eyes to the felt face using glue.
- Cut four small strips from black felt or construction paper for the legs.
- Assemble the Sheep:
- Glue the face onto the front of the pom-pom.
- Attach the legs to the bottom of the pom-pom with glue.
- Optional Add-ons:
- Add tiny felt ears or a ribbon around the sheep’s neck for extra detail.
Lesson Connection:
Talk about how Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, lovingly cares for every sheep in His flock, even the small and fluffy ones! The pom-pom sheep can serve as a tactile reminder of the story.
This craft is adorable, simple, and perfect for kids of all ages!
Conclusion
Crafting is a fun and meaningful way to teach children about Jesus as the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God. These activities provide hands-on opportunities for kids to connect with these biblical themes, fostering both creativity and spiritual growth. Whether you’re planning a Sunday school lesson, a family devotion, or a craft time at home, these ideas are sure to make a lasting impression on young hearts.
Which craft do you think you will use? Let us know in the comments below.
Wishing you a blessed life,
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum
