Suitable for children preschool to Grade 3.
This page provides day by day suggestions for a Parables of Jesus theme.
Printable worksheets and more detailed instructions on how to do some of the activities are provided.

You can find a more detailed schedule that can be used as a guide for each day.

Allow time for questions.  I've provided a link to help you explain  Becoming a Christian that you can use throughout the week or use the extra time on the last day to read it to the kids.

For additional ideas for the Parables theme that I really liked but didn't know where to add use the Life of Jesus Mini Book or the Parable Coloring Pages to print out and color.

Arrival:

Since this is the first day name tags are a good idea so the leaders remember names.  The first day can be a bit overwhelming for kids, have the kids split into small groups (4-6 kids) right away.

In the schedule provided I suggested Newspaper Sailor hats for this morning to make with the kids as they're arriving (put the children's names on the hats and use them as 'name tags' throughout the week.

Singing and Story Time:

This is a nice time to put the kids in one big group.  They'll probably sing louder with a larger group than with a smaller one.  The story might be a bit tricky with a large group but it's not too long and if you let them know beforehand that there will be some questions after they might listen better.

• Sing the "Little Seed" and teach the "I'm a Little Seed" action poem.
• Read the Sower and the Seed (Introduction to Parables)

Circle Time

This is a time for small groups.  A small group is ideal between 4-6 kids.  It you're having VBS in a large area like a gym just split the groups off all over the gym on blankets (keep the small groups the same throughout the day and week).

During this time have someone set up the craft at the tables you used for coloring at the beginning.

• Go through the questions and the Bible verse for the story and answer any questions they might have.

Craft Time

• Make the Sunny the Sunflower Craft .

Snack Time

Themed snacks can be fun but aren't necessary, kids don't really care they just want a snack.  Half a cup of juice usually does the trick and finger food snacks are ideal.  If you can get volunteers from church to sign up and bring snacks for each day make sure that you tell them how much to make and if there are any allergies (peanut, etc.)  Give suggestions of snacks to have (cookies, cupcakes, crackers and cheese, etc.) and don't forget to thank them!

Outdoor fun/Activity Centers

Form your small groups to each activity or split the group in half and go in two groups, whatever you find easiest with the number of children you have.

• Here is a list of ideas for the Activity Centers and Outdoor fun.
• Or check the Sower and the Seed Bible lesson section for other ideas.

Pick up Time (for half day VBS)

You can have the kids take home their craft or keep them till the end of the week (to allow for drying time, etc.)  You could buy each child a large brown paper bag (the kind with handles on it) and then paste a colored coloring page the kids completed and put their name on it to take home at the end of the week.

Singing and Circle Games

• Choose some songs to sing or sing "Jesus loves you as you are"

Craft Time 2

• Make the Learn About Flowers Paper Craft.

Outdoor Fun - Active Game 2

• Check out these ideas.

Circle Time - Closing Ceremony

• Meet with your group and review what you learned today.

Arrival:

Provide some Parable coloring pages or use the Parable of Talents printable activity pages until all the kids arrive.

For more ideas check out the Parable of Talents Bible lesson plan.

Singing and Story Time:

• Sing some of the Jesus loves me songs.
• Read the Parable of the Talents.

Circle Time

• Go through the questions and the Bible verse for the story and answer any questions they might have.

Craft Time

• Make the Piggy Bank Craft.  (You may want to spread this out and finish this in the afternoon).

Snack Time

Outdoor fun/Activity Centers

• Here is a list of ideas for the Activity Centers and Outdoor fun.

(continue for full day) - lunch

Singing and Circle Games

• Choose some songs to sing or sing "Jesus loves you as you are"

Craft Time 2

• Finish the Piggy Bank Craft or start the I have Talents poetry Craft.

Outdoor Fun - Active Game 2

• Check out these ideas.

Circle Time - Closing Ceremony

Arrival:

Provide some Parable coloring pages or Lamb Coloring pages until all the kids arrive.

For more ideas check out the Lost Sheep/Coin Bible lesson plan.

Singing and Story Time:

• Sing some of the Jesus loves me songs or the As the Shepherd Knows His Lamb Rhyme.
• Read the Lost Sheep/Lost Coin parable.

Circle Time

• Go through the questions and the Bible verse for the story and answer any questions they might have.

Craft Time

• Make a Lamb craft.  Pick a craft depending on the materials you have available.

Snack Time

Outdoor fun/Activity Centers

• Here is a list of ideas for the Activity Centers and Outdoor fun.

(continue for full day)- lunch

Singing and Group time

• Choose some songs to sing. Or read the "Little Lamb poem."

Craft Time 2

• Pick another lamb craft or try the Lost Sheep/Coin printable activity pages.
  

Outdoor Fun - Active Game 2

Check out these ideas.

Circle Time - Closing Ceremony

Arrival:

Provide some Parable coloring pages or Family coloring pages until all the kids arrive.

For more ideas check out the Prodigal Son Bible lesson plan.

Singing and Story Time:

• Sing some of the Jesus Loves Me songs.
• Read the Prodigal Son.

Circle Time

• Go through the questions and the Bible verse for the story and answer any questions they might have.

Craft Time

• Make the Paper Bag Pig Puppet.

Snack Time

Outdoor fun/Activity Centers

• Here is a list of ideas for the Activity Centers and Outdoor fun.

(continue for full day)- lunch

Singing and Group time

• Choose some songs to sing. Or sing "Jesus loves you as you are"

Craft Time 2

• Print out Prodigal Son Printable Activity Pages.
  

Outdoor Fun - Active Game 2

• Check out these ideas.

Circle Time - Closing Ceremony

Arrival:

Provide some Parable coloring pages or love coloring pages until all the kids arrive.

For more ideas check out the Good Samaritan Bible lesson plan.

Singing and Story Time:

• Sing some of the Jesus loves me songs or sing the Good Samaritan Song.
• Read the Good Samaritan.

Circle Time

Go through the questions and the Bible verse for the story and answer any questions they might have.

Craft Time

• Make the Who is My Neighbour paper Craft.

Snack Time

Outdoor fun/Activity Centers

• Here is a list of ideas for the Activity Centers and Outdoor fun.

(continue for full day)- lunch

Circle time

• Review the week with the children and ask what they enjoyed most and learned from the week.
• Give each child a certificate of their completion of VBS and Parables of Jesus.

Craft Time 2

• Make the What Would Jesus Do Activity Page or the What Would Jesus Do Mobile.

Outdoor Fun - Active Game 2

• Check out these ideas.

Circle Time - Closing Ceremony

It might be nice to have the parents come a few minutes early and hear some of the songs the children learned through the week.

Printable Version of this VBS Lesson Plan