Weekly Fun Plan: Jonah and the Whale

ByChelsea

*This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link*

Welcome to this week’s Weekly Fun Plan: Jonah and the Whale! If you haven’t already I recommend you read my introductory blog post “Faith-filled Fun: What Is It? And Why I Started It”. That post will give you some background into this blog and a little more in-depth explanation of my Weekly Fun Plans and how to use them. 

This Week’s Theme: Jonah and the Whale!

This week we learn about the popular Bible story of Jonah and the Big Fish. The Bible doesn’t actually specify if it was a whale but for this week’s lesson, we are going to have some fun with various whale-themed crafts, snacks, and activity ideas. 

The story of Jonah is so popular because it’s not only an amazing story, but it’s filled with lessons for us to learn. This week you and your kids can have discussions on obeying God’s commands, God’s mercy and grace, and/or how God listens and forgives us when we pray. If you try anything in this week’s plan don’t forget to share your experiences on social media! Tag us @faithfilledfun on Instagram or use #faithfilledfun. 

New Weekly Fun Plans drop on Mondays so stay up to date with the blog each week by subscribing to my email list!

Bible Lesson: What to Read or Watch this week

Since this week we are learning about Jonah in the Bible, here are some great resources to read/watch:

If you have young children (ages 0-8): 

If you have older children/teens (ages 9-18):

  • Have them Read the same verses above and take notes on the story. Then have them answer the discussion questions for this week’s lesson.

Bible Lesson: Questions to Ask Your Kids/Discuss this week

If you read the recommended Bible verses or watched the YouTube video your kids should be able to answer this week’s question:

Did Jonah listen to God when He told him to go to Nineveh? Answer: No

If you have little ones (ages 0-8):

I would focus on that one question first. Ask them the same question every morning or evening and see if they can remember the answer. Once they understand that question, move on to the additional discussion questions below.

If you have older children (ages 9-18):

Here are some additional questions you can discuss with them throughout the week:

  • What did Jonah do instead of listening to God?
  • What happened to Jonah when he boarded the boat?
  • Did God hear Jonah when he prayed from inside the whale?
  • What do you think God is trying to teach us with this story?
  • How does it make you feel knowing God gives us second chances when we don’t obey?

Bible Lesson: Memory Verse

Memorizing scripture is vital to teaching our children at a young age. Recalling and reciting scripture that they’ve memorized will help them as they grow and go through trials in life. It will also encourage them, equip them to go out and be little disciples of Jesus, and strengthen their faith as they age.

This week let’s have your kids work on memorizing Jonah 2:2a

Memorizing scripture is so much easier for kids if you can find a way to make it fun. Here are some different ideas to try as a family to help memorize this week’s verse:

  • Come up with some simple motions for each word of the verse and make a cheer or dance out of it.
  • Come up with your own melody and create a song out of it.
  • Make it a game. Start by saying one word or phrase of the verse at a time and have your kids repeat after you until you’ve gotten through the whole verse. Then repeat the process saying the words differently every time. Examples: slow, fast, in a silly voice, quiet, loud, etc.

Once your child/children have got it, I recommend practicing reciting the verse each morning over breakfast or before they leave for school and maybe even again before bed. Make it a part of your routine and you’ll be amazed at how fast they will begin to pick it up.

Supplies needed for this week’s activities

Here is a quick list of all the supplies that you will need to complete all the suggested crafts, activities, and snacks for this week’s plan. For a list of my most used craft supplies, and things I will be utilizing often in future Weekly Fun Plans be sure to check out my Links page.

Recipe: Banana Pudding Whale Snack

After watching this week’s video or practicing your memory verse, have some fun making and enjoying this easy and fun Banana Pudding Whale Snack with your kids. Follow the link for full recipe instructions.

banana pudding whale snack

Crafts:

This week, we are making a “Whale Blow Painting” and “Coffee Filter Whale Suncatcher”. Both crafts are simple, fun, and perfect for this week’s story on Jonah!

Whale Blow Painting:

For our first craft this week we’re making this easy Whale Blow Painting! It’s a fun twist on a simple coloring sheet that your kids will love. Follow the link for easy step-by-step instructions.

whale blow painting

Coffee Filter Whale Suncatcher:

Next up we have this cute Coffee Filter Whale Suncatcher. Give a fun underwater glow to your windows with just a few simple supplies. Follow the link for an easy step-by-step guide.

coffee filter whale suncatcher

Activities:

With our theme this week, “Jonah and the Whale”, here are a few extra ideas for activities to do with your children:

  • Learn some facts about Whales/Big Fish online or from some books at your local library.
  • Visit the ocean/beach if you are able.
  • Visit an aquarium.

Parenting Tip of the Week:

One easy way we can help our children build a strong foundation of faith is through the music we listen to in our homes and in the car. It can be such a passive activity having music on in the background while we cook dinner, while they play with their toys, or while we drive them to school or practice, but it can make such an impact. Fill your home with praise and worship music whenever possible. You’ll see the greatest effects of this when you suddenly hear your children singing along to the words of your favorite worship song. Check out my Spotify for playlists I’ve created specifically with Christian Songs for Kids and My Current Worship Favs to play in our home!

christian songs for kids spotify playlist

Prayers:

Lastly, I like to end each Weekly Fun Plan with some example prayers for your week. One is to pray with your kids, maybe before they get on the bus in the morning, before a meal, or before bed, and the other prayer is for you, the parent, to pray over your kids throughout the week.

Prayer to say with your kids this week: 

Dear God, Thank you for teaching us that you forgive us when we pray. Thank you for giving us a second chance to obey. Help me to obey You the first time and give me the courage to do what you ask of me. Amen.

Prayer to pray over your kids this week: 

Dear Heavenly Father, use my hands and feet for your purpose and not my own. Help me to be a light to my children/my family in this dark world. Lord, I surrender to you, help me to obey your commands and set a good example for my children. Thank you for your mercy, grace, and forgiveness when we pray. In Jesus name, amen.

I hope you have a wonderful week and don’t forget to subscribe to my email list and follow me on Instagram @faithfilledfun to stay up to date with the blog!

Similar Posts