10 Calm Sunday School Games to Engage and Teach Kids
Share Me
Sunday school is a wonderful time for kids to learn about God’s love, biblical principles, and how to live a Christ-centered life. While active games are often fun, there are times when a more peaceful atmosphere is needed—especially to promote focus and reverence. Here are 10 calm Sunday school games that are perfect for teaching biblical lessons in an engaging yet soothing way.
1. Bible Verse Puzzle
Get the activity pack for .99c! It includes:
- 2 x word search puzzles
- Bible scavenger hunt sheet
- Fruits of the Spirit activity sheet
- Fruits cut-outs
- 2 x coloring sheets
- 66 books of the bible cards
- 4 x puzzles
- How to Play: Write a Bible verse on strips of paper, with one or two words per strip. Mix them up and let kids work in small groups to piece the verse back together.
- Lesson: Reinforce memory verses and teamwork.
- Why It Works: This activity is quiet, requires focus, and reinforces scripture in a fun way.
2. Scripture Scavenger Hunt
- How to Play: Give kids a list of Bible references and have them look them up to find specific words or phrases. For younger kids, you can pre-highlight the verses in a Bible.
- Lesson: Teach navigation skills in the Bible while reinforcing key scriptures.
- Why It Works: It encourages individual focus and familiarity with the Word.
3. Name The Fruits of the Spirit
- How to Play: Prepare cards with the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Write one of the fruits of the spirit on the fruit cut outs. (Available in the activity pack).
- Lesson: Understanding the fruits of the Spirit and how they apply to daily life.
- Why It Works: It’s a calm, hands-on game that encourages reflection.
4. Bible Story Memory Game
- How to Play: Create matching cards with images or keywords from a Bible story (e.g., Noah’s ark: animals, rainbow, ark). Kids take turns flipping two cards to find matches.
- Lesson: Reinforce details of a specific Bible story.
- Why It Works: This game is quiet and promotes memory skills.
5. “Who Am I?” Bible Characters
- How to Play: Write the names of Bible characters on index cards and tape one to each child’s back. Kids ask yes-or-no questions to figure out who they are.
- Lesson: Learn about key Bible figures and their stories.
- Why It Works: It’s engaging without being overly energetic.
6. Build the Books of the Bible
- How to Play: Write the names of the books of the Bible on Jenga blocks or cards. Kids arrange them in the correct order.
- Lesson: Teach the sequence of books in the Bible.
- Why It Works: It’s a slow-paced activity that fosters concentration.
7. “Draw the Story” Relay
- How to Play: Read a Bible story aloud and have kids take turns drawing parts of the story on a large piece of paper.
- Lesson: Encourage creativity while reinforcing Bible stories.
- Why It Works: Quiet, creative, and collaborative.
8. Bible Trivia Wheel
- How to Play: Create a simple spinning wheel with categories like “Old Testament,” “New Testament,” “Parables,” and “Miracles.” Kids spin the wheel and answer trivia questions. You can put an easy spinning wheel together with two paper plates with a hole cut in the middle, joined with a press pin or two cardboard circle cutouts.
- Lesson: Test knowledge of Bible stories and themes.
- Why It Works: It’s low-energy and educational.
9. Quiet Praise Coloring
- How to Play: Provide coloring sheets with Bible verses, scenes, or characters. Let kids color quietly while listening to soft worship music.
- Lesson: Create a peaceful environment for reflecting on God’s Word.
- Why It Works: Coloring is calming and allows children to meditate on scripture.
10. Word Search or Crossword Puzzles
- How to Play: Create puzzles with words related to Bible themes, such as “love,” “faith,” “prayer,” or “Jesus.”
- Lesson: Build vocabulary and reinforce key concepts.
- Why It Works: Quiet, solo activity that keeps kids engaged.
Tips for Implementing Calm Games
- Set the Tone: Begin with a short prayer or scripture to set a peaceful atmosphere.
- Use Soft Background Music: Play instrumental hymns or worship music to create a calm environment.
- Rotate Activities: Balance calm games with more energetic ones to maintain variety.
- Encourage Reflection: After each game, take a few moments to discuss what the children learned.
Calm Sunday school games not only engage children but also create a reverent atmosphere for learning about God’s Word. These activities are perfect for smaller spaces, mixed-age groups, or times when a quieter environment is needed. Let these ideas inspire your next Sunday school lesson to be both meaningful and peaceful!
What are your favorite calm Sunday school games? Share them in the comments below!
Wishing you all the best,
Vanessa Rooney – LDS Mum