Leader Guide

Game

Fish Pattern
Cardstock
Scissors for teacher
Twelve coins, pebbles, or any small objects to add weight to the fish
Tape, stapler or glue
Two large towels to serve as nets; or fishnet fabric, tulle, or other material cut into two pieces approximately 30" x 45"
Whiteboard and marker, or chalkboard and chalk
Scorekeepers, such as sixth grade helpers, one per team

Make 6 copies of the Fish Pattern on cardstock, 2 fish per page, for a total of 12 fish. For large classes, make more fish for additional teams.

Cut out the fish and fold them at the tail so each has a front and back.

Tape or glue a coin or pebble on the inside center of each fish for weight.

Tape or staple each fish’s front to its back with the weight secured inside.

Place a mark near one end of the room, and place another mark about 6–8 feet away, adjusting the distance during the game as necessary.

In our Superbook story today, what miracle did Jesus perform? After the disciples had fished all night and caught nothing, Jesus caused their nets to be suddenly filled with fish.

That really was a supernatural miracle! Today, we are going to play a game about filling our nets with fish, but we will do it with our own hands.

Hold up a fish and a net. Two players on each team will throw the fish while two other players on your team try to catch it in a net.

Divide the children into two teams. Have each team form a line, with players standing in pairs side by side behind the mark near the end of the room. Choose a pair of children from each team to be net holders. Give each pair a net and have them stand behind the other mark. They will hold the net between them to catch the fish as they are thrown.

Give the first pair in line for each team six fish—three per child. They each may throw them toward their team’s net one at a time, or they may alternate their throws. They should throw as quickly as possible to keep the game moving. The children holding the nets can move around to catch the fish, but their feet cannot cross the line. A round consists of each pair for each team throwing six fish—three fish each.

One point is scored for each fish caught in the net. If all six fish are caught in a round without being dropped, that is a full net and the team receives 10 points for that round. If a fish falls out of the net during a round, the point is lost. Have a scorekeeper for each team tally each round on the board. Have the throwers quickly gather the fish and bring them to the next pair to throw. Be prepared to help children with special needs. Play until all pairs have thrown their fish. The team with the highest score wins. Play again if time permits, with other pairs of children serving as net holders.

Optional Play:

Have older children turn their backs toward the nets and throw the fish over their shoulders or heads.
After each round, have the throwers quickly move to become the net holders. The net holders should gather the fish, bring them to the next pair to throw, then stand at the end of their team’s line.

That was a fun game! Peter and some of the other disciples were professional fishermen until Jesus called them to be fishers of men! Now let’s learn more about Peter and how Jesus loved him—despite his weakness and failure.