SPONGE PAINTED BIBLE VERSE POSTERS

Before class, draw the outline of a box in the middle of a 12″ x 18″ sheet of light-colored construction paper. Inside the box, print the Bible verse your children are learning. Make one sheet for each child in your group.

In class, cover tables with paper and provide paint smocks. Have paper towels and water or baby wipes available for cleanup. Pour liquid tempera paint into small plastic containers. Provide inexpensive, porous sponges, one sponge for each color of paint you provide. Limit the number of children who paint to six at a time.

Show the children how to dip a sponge into the paint, wipe off the excess on the sides of the paint container, and lightly dab the sponge on the paper to create a lacy pattern.

Children can use a variety of colors to create interesting designs around the Bible verse area. As children work, talk about the verse and what it means. When the paintings are dry, let the children take the project home to help them learn the verse.

Tip 1: No matter what you say about dabbing the paint, you will probably have some children who insist on painting in solid color. Don’t worry about it. The activity is still valuable as an aid to Bible memory.

Tip 2: The bowls from frozen dinners make an excellent size and type of paint container.

Tip 3: Provide a few extra sponges in case children forget and use one sponge in more than one color of paint.

Tip 4: For an easy paint smock, cut off the bottom of a medium or large plastic bag from a grocery or discount store. Children slip their heads through the top of the sack and their arms through the handle openings. If necessary, attach a spring-type clothespin to the back of the sack to adjust the fit of this paint smock to the child’s size.

Contributed by Donna Fillmore