Jungle Animal Bible Crafts
Stand-Up Salvation Snail - John 3:16
This cute snail is a great way to help children to visualise that the Gospel message is offered to the whole world, with John 3:16 KJV Scripture text.
It is ideal to use with the story of Peter's Vision (Acts 10 and 11), Jesus died for all.
The FREE template can be printed by clicking here.
You will need one A4 sheet of light card per child (160Gsm fits easily through most inkjet printers), scissors, half a kitchen roll tube (or other similair cardboard tube), double sided tape and colouring in crayons or pencils.
- Print the A4 template.
- Depending on the age of the children and how much time you have, you can either cut out the snail in advance and have them colour the cut out, or you can allow them to colour and cut themselves.
- The cardboard tube simply needs to be stuck to the snail as shown in the images, this will allow the snail to be stood upright.
- You can use this as a colouring sheet without cutting out the snail.
Frog Craft - F.R.O.G (Fully Rely On God)
This cute frog can be moved around on the lily pad, it has a Scripture text from Psalm 27, verse 1.
"The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" KJV
The lily pad has the F.R.O.G letters printed, standing for Fully Rely On God.
It is interesting to note that frogs have excellent night vision, this can be used to remind children that the Lord can see what we cannot see, we can trust Him to be our light. This craft also fits well with a missionary story, facing dangers in the jungle, heading into the unknown etc.
NOT SUITABLE FOR UNDER 3'S DUE TO CHOKING HAZZARDS
The FREE template can be printed by clicking here.
You will require one A4 sheet of light card per child (160gsm fits well through most inket printers), one metal paper fastener, scissors and crayons or pencils to colour in with. You will also need something to create the holes, see notes below.
- Print off the free template from the link above and carefully cut out the frog and the lily pad.
- You need to create a hole on the frog and the lily pad to create openings for the metal paper fastener, this allows your frog to be moveable. Create a small hole on each of the two black dots, one is on the frogs belly and the other on the lily pad. I used a paper hole puncher for the hole on the frogs belly but it would not reach far enough to use it for the lily pad hole, I simply used a very sharp pencil.
- The craft is now ready to be coloured in and then the paper fastener can be inserted through the frog to the lily pad, this is placed under the frog, see picture.
Elephant Craft - Be Kind
This elephant craft can be used for a few different Bible stories, it not only teaches to "be kind" but also has a reminder of the forgiveness of God we can know by faith.
Ephesians 4:32 KJV "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you"
I originally designed it to use with the story of King David's kindness to Mephibosheth.
We were using the theme of Unexplored Bible Stories which is jungle based. The elephant was used as apparently it is a kind animal to other elephants, and is a jungle creature. It can be attached to the cup as shown or simply used as a colouring sheet, whether the shape is cut out or left as a complete A4 page.
The free printable template can be printed by clicking here.
You will need the printed template, double sided tape and a paper cup
- As always I recommend using light card, 160Gsm fits through most inkjet printers.
- Print the template from the above link and cut out the elephant.
- You can prepare in advance by attaching some strips of double sided tape to the bottom end of the elephant shape, on the area of the Scripture text.
- The elephant simply needs to be coloured in and then attached to an upside down paper cup (see picture opposite) using the strips of double sided tape already attached to the bottom.
- Encourage the children to bend the ears forward and the tip of the tail to give the elephant a better apperance.
Snake Craft - Lesson On Lies
This snake craft could be used to teach young children about truth and lies. It fits well with the Bible passage found in Acts 5 relating to the story of Ananias and Sapphira. Another use would be in teaching about the serpent tempting Eve in the Garden of Eden.
The black plate is useful when teaching very young children who often remember the significance of colours easily, when still not confident readers. Young children will soon remember that black reminds us of sin if they are reminded often. If you do not have black paper plates use white ones and have the children colour it black or you could stick a circle of black paper as a background.
The Bible text (KJV) used in the pictured example is, "If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth." 1 John 1 verse 6. I have not included a free printable template with this craft as it only requires the Scripture text, you can easily create this yourself, and use an alternative verse if desired.
NOT SUITABLE FOR UNDER 3 YEARS OLD - CHOKING HAZZARD
- You will require a kitchen roll cardboard tube or alternative, scissors, a pipe cleaner, a black paper plate, stick on eyes, crayons to colour, a stapler and a hole puncher.
- Cut the cardboard tube into a spiral shape as shown in the pictures, note the shaped head and tail. Roughly cut the shape and don't worry about jagged edges. Once cut then straighten out and trim edges until straight and smooth and then curl the tube back into the spiral shape.
- This craft is very quick and easy to prepare and finish, the tube needs coloured in as shown, eyes attached and stapled into place as shown.
- Punch two holes at the top of the plate to insert the pipe cleaner, twist to create a handle for hanging the craft up.
- Stick the Scripture text into place as shown
Tortoise Craft - Be Surrendered
This tortoise craft could be used for many different Bible passages, it was designed to use for a jungle themed series, using the Bible story of Stephen being stoned to death (Acts 7). A tortoise is protected from so much danger by it's protective shell, yet the shell does not always protect from predators. As Christians we have the mighty armour of God, yet it is not always God's will to protect us from every danger. Stephen was surrendered to the will of God.
"As for God, His way is perfect..." Psalm 18:30 KJV
The FREE A4 template of the tortoise can be printed by clicking here.
You will need one printed A4 template per child (light card works best, 160gsm fits through most inkjet printers), scissors, stapler and colouring crayons/pencils.
- Print the template from the above link and carefully cut out the tortoise.
- Carefully cut a line up to roughly the centre of the central shape on the tortoise shell. You can see the cut line in one of the images to the left.
- Allow the child to colour the tortoise.
- Line up the left tail shape over the right hand one, only one triangular tail should be visible. Now staple into position, creating a 3D effect to the shell.
Leopard Bible Craft - God Can Change Me!
A leopard cannot change its spots. We cannot change our sinful nature, but God can make us a new creature in Christ Jesus! The truly born again Christian is a "new creature", it is not enough to believe with the mind, we must repent and ask God to save us and change us, "all things become new".
This leopard craft is a great way to communicate this basic truth to children.
With the Scripture text 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV,
"Therefore if any man be in Christ, he isa new creature: old things are passed away: behold, all things are become new."
The FREE template can be printed by clicking HERE.
You will require one A4 printed template per child, as always I recommend light card (160gsm fits easily through most inkjet printers). You will also need very pointy small sharp scissors, double sided tape and crayons/pencils for colouring.
- Print one template per child. Carefully cut along the top section of the leopards head. You can use the blue fold lines as a guide of how far down to to cut. The top of the head and ears will stick up when folded, use the picture for a guide. A pair of small nail or dressmaking scissors will make this job much neater and easier, you need a fine point on the scissors.
- Double sided tape needs to be stuck on the bottom small section of the page, at the two sides is sufficient as you can see on the pic of the unfolded template.
- Colour in and fold.
Curious Monkey Mask
This fun Monkey face mask is easy to make and very popular with younger children.
It can be used as a craft related to mission work and missionary stories, in this case it was designed for the Mary Slessor story, in her childhood she had a great interest in missionaries. The Mary Slessor story was also fits in around a jungle theme, so a curious monkey works very well.
With the KJV Scripture text Romans 10:14, "...how shall they hear without a preacher."
You may print the FREE template by clicking here.
NOT SUITABLE FOR UNDER 3 YEARS OLD - CHOKING HAZZARD
You will require one A4 template per child, scissors, one wooden craft stick, double sided tape, colouring in pencils or crayons.
- Print the A4 template on light card.
- Carefully cut out the monkey faces. If you wish to use it as a mask you must also cut out the eyes as shown in the images. Eyes are provided if you wish to use the monkey faces for other purposes.
- You can attach some double sided tape securely to the top third of a wooden craft stick, the child will simply have to peel and stick down when ready.
- Cut out the Scripture text box and fold in two as shown in the image. Attach some double sided tape along the inside of one half, the children will just need to peel off the backing when ready to attach it to the stick, as shown.
- The mask is ready to be coloured in by the child and then the stick and verse are ready to be stuck into place as shown in the images.
Ant Magnet
This little ant magnet is a great way to send home a verse of Scripture, hopefully it will be displayed for all to see!
It features the Scripture text from Hebrews 13:6 KJV, "The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me."
It fits in with a jungle theme, and also to week 2 of the Mary slessor missionary story, as Mary moves to Calabar, she soon becomes a very active worker, and part of a bust team, the ant also is a hard worker and a team worker.
Click here for the FREE printable template.
NOT SUITABLE FOR UNDER 3 YEARS OLD - CHOKING HAZZARD
You will require one cut out ant template per child, there are two per printed template. You will also need scissors, two metal paper fasteners (see image), hole puncher, adhesive magnetic tape or strips and colouring in pencils or crayons.
- Print the A4 template.
- Carefully cut out the ant shapes.
- Create punch holes as shown in the image, one on the head, two in the middle section and one on the back section.
- The pieces need to be coloured and then joined with the paper fasteners as shown.
- Finally the adhesive magnetic strips can be attached to the back.
Giraffe Craft - Be A Peacemaker
This fun giraffe craft is a lovely way to teach children to be a peacemaker. Giraffes are known to be very peaceful animals that only fight in self defense. It has the Scripture text Hebrews 12:14,
"Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."
It was designed for use with the Mary Slessor missionary story, a large part of Mary's work in Calabar was in keeping the peace. Mary Slessor sought to help men and women find peace, not just with each other, but to know peace with God through Salvation. It also works well with one of the Beatitudes, Matthew 5:9 KJV,
"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
NOT SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN UNDER 3 YEARS DUE TO CHOKING HAZZARD
The FREE templates can be printed by clicking below:
The giraffe head template has 5 giraffe heads per sheet- click here.
The giraffe body wrap has 3 body wraps per sheet - click here.
You will require one printed giraffe head template and one body template per child. 160gsm light card fits well through most inkjet printers. You will also require scissors, a 7cm length of cardboard tube (like a kitchen roll), a large wooden lolly stick, four wooden clothes pegs and double sided tape.
- Print the two template sheets and carefully cut out the head and body parts.
- If you are making this for a group of children you can prepare in advance by sticking double sided tape to the bottom third of the lolly stick. I used the padded double sided roll tape as it is extra sticky. You can also stick a length of regular double sided tape to each short end of the body wrap template, and some double sided tape to the back of the giraffe head. The children just need to colour, and as they start to assemble the giraffe they just have to peel the top of the double sided tapes.
- Once the children have coloured the body wrap template, it can be stuck to the cardboard tube.
- Attach the lolly stick to the inside front side of the tube to create a neck.
- Stick the giraffe head to the top of the lolly stick.
- Finally clip on the four pegs to create legs. They need to be level to stand.
Bird's Nest Craft
This craft is based on Luke chapter 9 verse 58.
"And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head."
Print the free template by clicking HERE. One A4 sheet has four bird patterns on it.
- You will need one empty yogurt/food pot per craft, with the plastic labels removed. I use Alpro Greek Style pots (UK).
- Stick double sided tape around the outside of the yogurt pot along the top rim, and line the inside of the rim also. Then stick more double sided tape to the bottom of the pot.
- This tape can be prepped in advance and left unpeeled.
- Print and cut out one bird template per child.
- Stick double sided tape to the tail of the bird as shown in the second picture.
- Stick double sided tape to the back of the bird, this is best when the super sticky foam tape is used as it needs to secure the bird to the back of the "nest".
- When ready to start, the children need to peel the top of the double sided tape and line the nest with shredded paper/raffia/ other suitable material.
- Then peel the double sided tape on the birds tail and attach coloured feathers.
- Stick the bird to the back of the nest after peeling the sticky tape on the back of the bird.
- Finally, add three pom poms to represent bird's eggs.
Jungle Bird Craft
This cute bird craft could be used fora few different Bible lessons, in this case it was designed for using with an Unexplored Jungle theme. The lesson was on Daniel chapter 5 (the writing on the wall), unfamilair sights and sounds. The brightly coloured jungle birds are very different to the wild birds here in the UK, so reminding us that the Gospel and the Bible are not familair to all people, some people need to be helped to understand God's Word.
"So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Romans 10:17 KJV.
NOT SUITABLE FOR UNDER 3 YEARS OLD - CHOKING HAZZARD
The FREE template can be printed by clicking HERE.
You will need the printed template (160gsm light card works well in inkjet printers), a large craft lolly stick, assorted craft feathers, scissors, crayons and a glue stick.
- Carefully cut the two bird shapes from the printed template.
- The shapes should be coloured in first.
- Stick down some brightly coloured craft feathers to the tail flaps as shown in the pictures. I used two strips of double sided tape that were placed in advance, leaving the children ready to peel back and stick down the feathers.
- Cover one bird shape with glue, covering the circular body area only, leave the tail section free from glue.
- Stick the lolly stick in position so that it reaches about half way up the bird shape and in the centre of the bird body (see picture opposite for more guidance).
- Put more glue on the top side of the lolly stick then stick the other bird cut out in place to create a two sided bird with a handle, as shown.
- If the tail flaps are free from glue the feathery tails should flap about when held by the handle and swiped through the air, creating an almost flying bird!
- Not suitable for children under 3 years due to choking hazzards!
Lion Craft - Be A Good Listener
This lion craft could be used for a few different Bible stories or themed Bible lessons. In this case it was used in an Unexplored Jungle type theme, as the lion is known to be good listener, which tied in with the Bible lesson. The Bible lesson was about Rehoboam becoming king and the people of Israel rebelling against him (1 Kings 12 1-17).
Luke 11:28 KJV
"...blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it."
NOT SUITABLE FOR UNDER 3 YEARS OLD - CHOKING HAZZARD
The free printable template can be printed by clicking HERE.
You will need the printed template (160gsm light card works well), a paper fastener (see picture) and a small paper doilie (approx. 16cm wide), scissors and a glue stick. I used yellow doilies but you could use white ones and have the children colour them with crayons.
- Please note the paper fastener would not be suitable forchildren under 3 years, it is potentially dangerous and a choking hazzard.
- Carefully cut the shapes out from the free printable template.
- Depending how much time the children will have you can prepare more in advance by attaching the head cut-out to the doilie with glue, and also the tail cut-out can be glued to the back of the body.
- You need to create very small holes for the paper fastener to be fed through when assembling after colouring. I used a small hole punch, you could use a sharp pencil. Place one hole at the base of the nose and one in the central area of the body, see pictures to the left for guidance.
- If this is prepared as above in advance the children only need to colour in the shapes and assemble the two main parts with the paper fastener. This creates a moveable head for the lion.
- When assembled as a finishing touch you can bend the ears forward to lift them off the page a little.
Other Jungle / Animal Crafts
There are other options for animal crafts listed on the Old Testament Bible Crafts page of this website. Click below to go to that page, or have a look at the images to the left.
Daniel /Lion craft, Garden of Eden Snake Craft.
