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We’re diving headfirst into today’s Jonah bible story! Kids will have so much fun making a Jonah and the Whale craft! Sunday school lessons come alive when children can play a part in recreating a bible story with simple materials.
The tale of Jonah-a reluctant prophet who learns about obedience, mercy, and second chances after a dramatic encounter with a giant fish-is a childhood favorite.
To help young learners visualize this big bible adventure, a paper plate craft offers the perfect hands-on experience.
This easy, budget-friendly project works beautifully for Sunday school classes, Vacation Bible School, homeschool lessons, or rainy afternoon fun at home.
With a big open mouth and a praying Jonah tucked safely inside, children can craft the miracle of second chances while exercising their fine motor skills.
Why You’ll Love This Jonah and the Whale Craft
Budget-Friendly:
Uses simple, low-cost materials you already have in your supply closet.
Engaging Fun:
Kids will love the process of painting their paper plate and adding the included printable features to create a spectacular Jonah and the whale craft version of their own!
Reinforces Scripture:
Pairs perfectly with the bible story of Jonah and the Whale, to spark meaningful discussions about obedience, prayer, and God’s mercy.
Great for All Ages:
A well fit craft for kids of all ages, and preschoolers can practice producing these skills involving painting, cutting, and gluing too.
Materials You’ll Need for This Jonah and the Whale Craft:
Jonah and the Whale printable template (grab yours at the bottom of this post)
Age-appropriate kid’s scissors
Paint colors of choice (whichever colors you would prefer your whale to be)
White paint (optional for whale chin)
Marker in the color of your paint
Stapler (optional)
Jonah and Whale Craft Instructions
Print:
Print out your Jonah and the whale printable template on white cardstock paper.
Paint Paper Plate Whale:
Grab your paper plate and foam paintbrush, you can choose to paint either the back or the front of the plate. Use whichever color you prefer your whale to be.
Optional Whale Chin:
To apply a white chin on your whale (as pictured in ours) simply lay a scrap piece of paper down long ways, weighing it down with some supplies, and blocking the small section you want to leave the original color of the plate.
You could also paint the entire plate, then when dry, cover most of the plate with the paper, weighing it down and leaving a small section for the chin. Paint over the previous color with white paint. By stroking downward with a foam paintbrush, you leave behind little lines that mimic the look of the whale chin. Other ideas would be to freehand your line or tape off with delicate surface painter’s tape.
If you choose to leave the whole plate one solid color with no white chin, that’s okay too. It will still look whale-tastic!
Color:
Next, try to match the color you painted the whale in a marker or crayon. Color the tail and the whale fins on the printable template.
Cut:
Cut out all of the crafting elements on the template.
Assemble & Glue the Jonah and the Whale Craft Printable
You will arrange the features where you want them on the paper plate, creating the iconic whale, with a praying Jonah tucked inside his mouth. Glue everything down in place. The fun part is you get to be the designer.
Place the tail above the paper plate or to the side of it gluing it from the backside of the paper plate. You can also glue the fins from either the front or the back of the paper plate, whichever look you like best.
Optional Additional Details:
For extra security, use a stapler to fasten the tail. If you secure the fins from the backside of the paper plate, you can also staple if needed but completely optional. Apply any finishing touches like glitter and display your adorable Jonah in the whale craft for everyone to see!
Final Thoughts on Making This Cute Jonah and the Whale Sunday School Craft
This Jonah and the whale craft leaves a lasting impression, helping children remember that God is always ready to forgive and listen whenever we turn to him in prayer.
It truly makes our day to see your kids having fun and learning about the faith! Our kids have so much fun making them as well!
Thank you for supporting our blog and helping children grow through creative play!
Click the button below to download our free printable!
Please note: All of our downloadable printables and designs are copyright of DIYCoupleBlog. They are free and intended solely for your personal use (at home or in your classroom) Alteration, redistribution, or commercial resale of these files are strictly prohibited. Thank you for respecting the time and effort put into creating these resources!
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