Slightly Sticky Activities for Teaching Books of the Bible

Engaging students in learning can sometimes feel like a daunting task, especially when it comes to memorizing something as extensive as the books of the Bible. However, with a bit of creativity, you can transform this challenge into a fun and interactive experience. Today, I’m sharing three quick and only slightly sticky activities designed to help students remember the names of the books of the Bible while having a blast!

Activity 1: Jelly Bean Challenge

One of the most effective and enjoyable ways to learn is through competition. This first activity involves a bowl of jelly beans and a bit of friendly rivalry!

Here's how it works:

• Set up two students facing each other with a bowl of jelly beans placed in between them.
• The first student starts by picking up a jelly bean and saying the first book of either the Old or New Testament.
• The second student then follows suit by picking up another jelly bean and naming the next book in sequence.
• Students continue this back-and-forth until one of them cannot name the next book or they finish the list.
• As a fun twist, since the jelly beans have been touched and might be a bit sticky, students can keep all the jelly beans they earn!

This activity not only helps with memorization but also adds an element of excitement as students compete to see who can recall the books the fastest. Who doesn’t love a little candy as a reward?

Activity 2: Guess the Book

This next activity promotes interaction among students and encourages them to ask questions. It’s a great way to get them moving and talking, especially as they arrive for class.

To set up this activity:

• Before class, write the names of the books of the Bible on sticky notes, address labels, or any other sticky-backed item.
• Attach one tag to each student's back without them seeing what it says.
• Students must then mingle and ask their peers questions to figure out which book they have on their back. The questions should be yes or no questions.

For example, a student might ask:

• “Is my book in the Old Testament?”
• “Is it a person’s name?”
• “Does it start with the letter J?”

Modeling this activity can be helpful. You could have a student place a tag on your back, and then demonstrate how to ask relevant questions. This activity continues until all students have guessed their books. It’s a fantastic way to build camaraderie while learning!

Activity 3: Sticky Throwing Challenge

For our final activity, we’re going to incorporate some physical movement into the learning process. This is a fun game where students can throw sticky items at a target while practicing their Bible knowledge.

To set this up:

• Write the names of the Old Testament or New Testament books on a whiteboard, creating separate boxes for each.
• Students will stand a distance away and throw their sticky items (like sticky balls or bean bags) at the board.
• Even if they miss the exact book name, if their sticky item lands in a box, they must name the book that comes before and after the one in their box.

This activity is not only engaging but also reinforces their knowledge of the books, helping them to learn the order and how to pronounce each name. Plus, the physical activity helps keep energy levels up!

Why These Activities Work

These slightly sticky activities are designed to engage students in a fun and memorable way. Not only do they help with learning the order of the books of the Bible, but they also improve pronunciation and familiarity with their locations. Each time students participate in these games, their confidence grows, making them feel more comfortable when they open their Bibles.

By integrating competition, movement, and interaction into your lessons, you can create a dynamic learning environment that encourages students to take part actively. Plus, who can resist the allure of candy and games?

Final Thoughts

As educators, we have the opportunity to make learning the books of the Bible a fun and engaging experience. These activities are just a starting point. Feel free to adapt them to fit your classroom environment and the needs of your students. Remember, props are always better than paper, and creativity can go a long way in making lessons stick!

Teaching can be both fun and effective. Let’s make learning a joyful experience! And remember, props are better than paper! 

Help Your Students Fall in Love With the Bible

Teach the Bible with what you know it can have: powerful, effective, life-changing impact. Whether you’re looking for homeschool Bible curriculum, Christian school classroom curriculum, Vacation Bible School (VBS), or kids Bible study content, we’re here to help your students experience the Bible creatively.

Shop Curriculum