Teaching Bible stories to preschoolers requires creativity, patience, and age-appropriate methods that engage their senses while building early spiritual foundations. One of the stories that lends itself well to preschool learning is the healing of the ten lepers, a narrative found in Luke 17:11–19. This passage teaches gratitude, faith, and compassion in a way young children can begin to grasp. Using crafts as part of the lesson helps preschoolers connect to the story in a hands-on way, reinforcing both fine motor skills and spiritual understanding.
Understanding the Story of the Ten Lepers
In the story, Jesus heals ten men with leprosy, a disease that left people isolated from their families and communities. Out of the ten, only one man, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus. For preschoolers, the central message can be simplified: Jesus healed ten men, but only one remembered to say “thank you.” This core lesson emphasizes gratitude and the importance of remembering to thank God and others for kindness.
Why Crafts Work in Preschool Bible Lessons
Crafts help preschoolers engage with abstract stories in concrete ways. Children at this age are still developing symbolic thinking, so handling paper, glue, colors, and simple shapes makes the lesson memorable. In the case of the ten lepers, crafts can:
- Reinforce counting skills by using the number ten.
- Encourage discussion about thankfulness.
- Offer opportunities for role play and story retelling.
- Strengthen hand-eye coordination and fine motor abilities.
Key Learning Goals of a Ten Lepers Craft
- Biblical Understanding: Preschoolers learn that Jesus heals and values gratitude.
- Character Development: Children practice saying “thank you” in daily life.
- Cognitive Development: Activities highlight number recognition (the number ten).
- Creative Expression: Children express themselves through drawing, coloring, and gluing.
Craft Ideas for Teaching the Ten Lepers Story
1. Thank You Lepers Paper Plate Craft
- Materials: Paper plates, markers, scissors, glue, and small construction paper squares.
- Steps:
- Divide the paper plate into ten sections using a marker.
- In each section, let children glue a face cutout representing one of the lepers.
- Color nine faces happy but blank, and one face extra happy with “Thank You” written underneath.
- Learning Connection: This visual reminder reinforces that only one leper returned to give thanks.
2. Ten Band-Aid Lepers Craft
- Materials: Ten adhesive bandages, paper, crayons, and stickers.
- Steps:
- Draw ten stick figures on the paper.
- Let children place one bandage on each figure to represent the lepers’ sickness.
- Remove one bandage from a figure and decorate that figure with a smiling face and bright colors.
- Learning Connection: The bandages help children understand the healing, while coloring the thankful leper highlights gratitude.
3. Gratitude Handprint Craft
- Materials: Paint, large paper, and markers.
- Steps:
- Help each child make ten handprints on the paper (or work as a group to reach ten).
- Label the handprints with numbers 1–10.
- Circle one handprint and write “Thank you, Jesus” inside.
- Learning Connection: The group activity emphasizes teamwork, numbers, and the importance of being the one who remembers to thank God.
4. Lepers Counting Craft with Cups
- Materials: Ten small paper cups, markers, stickers.
- Steps:
- Decorate ten cups as lepers with simple faces.
- Arrange them in a row and let children count them.
- Remove nine, leaving one decorated with a big “Thank You” sticker.
- Learning Connection: Introduces subtraction and counting while reinforcing the story.
5. Healing Hearts Craft
- Materials: Red construction paper hearts, glue, crayons.
- Steps:
- Give each child ten heart cutouts.
- Write “Jesus Heals” on nine of them and “Thank You” on one.
- Glue them onto a large sheet in a line or circle.
- Learning Connection: Links gratitude with love and kindness in a visual and memorable way.
Comparison of Craft Options
| Craft Activity | Main Skills Reinforced | Materials Needed | Difficulty (Preschool Level) | Focus Message |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper Plate Craft | Counting, coloring | Plates, paper, glue | Easy | Only one returned thankful |
| Band-Aid Lepers | Fine motor, empathy | Bandages, crayons, paper | Easy | Healing and gratitude |
| Handprint Craft | Group activity, numbers | Paint, paper | Moderate (messy but fun) | One said thank you |
| Cup Counting Craft | Counting, sequencing | Cups, stickers, markers | Easy | Ten became one |
| Healing Hearts Craft | Recognition, love | Paper hearts, glue | Easy | Gratitude from the heart |
Practical Teaching Tips
- Keep instructions short and simple to match preschool attention spans.
- Prepare materials ahead of time, cutting shapes or drawing outlines to save class time.
- Encourage conversation while crafting—ask children why it is important to say thank you.
- Use music or a simple song about thankfulness to reinforce the lesson.
- Display finished crafts on a classroom wall or bulletin board labeled “We Remember to Say Thank You.”
Incorporating Socioeconomic Considerations
For teachers in different settings, access to craft materials may vary. In lower-income contexts, substitutes like scrap paper, reused packaging, or natural items like leaves and sticks can replace purchased supplies. The focus should remain on storytelling, counting, and gratitude rather than expensive craft kits.
Extending the Lesson Beyond Craft Time
- Story Retelling: Children can use their crafts as props to retell the story.
- Gratitude Practice: At snack time, practice saying thank you before eating.
- Family Connection: Send crafts home with a note encouraging families to talk about saying thank you.
- Cross-Curricular Links: Use the number ten as part of math learning, reinforcing early numeracy skills.
Conclusion
A Ten Lepers craft for preschoolers transforms a short biblical story into an interactive and memorable lesson. The simple act of making a visual representation helps children retain the message that gratitude matters. Whether through bandages, paper plates, handprints, or hearts, these activities nurture both spiritual growth and developmental milestones. By engaging in such crafts, preschoolers learn not only to count to ten but also to value the act of giving thanks, a lesson that extends well beyond the classroom.