Leader Guide
Paper Mat Craft
- Super Mat Pattern
- Scissors for the children
- Optional: tape or stapler; or hole punch and raffia, ribbon, string, or yarn to secure the edges of the mat
Copy the Super Mat Pattern in color or black and white, one of each pattern per child, plus extras.
Optional: You may secure the edges of the mats with tape or a stapler; or by punching holes and weaving raffia, ribbon, string, or yarn around the edges.
Make a sample Super Mat ahead of time so you know how to help the children make theirs.
For younger children or those with special needs, consider cutting the pieces of the Super Mats ahead of time.
Today, we are making a craft to remind us of the mat that belonged to the man who was paralyzed. You can take it home as a reminder of the SuperTruth: “Jesus is my healer.”
Distribute both pieces of the Super Mat Pattern to each child. Don’t show them your sample craft so they will be surprised by the picture they create on their mats. Give them these step-by-step instructions:
1. First, take the paper titled “Super Mat Pattern Part 1.” Very carefully fold the page in half in the middle, along the line halfway down the page. Keeping the paper folded, carefully cut from the fold outward to the edge of the picture strips, along each of the six black lines. Do NOT cut all the way to the edge of the page; be sure to stop cutting at the black line.
2. Next, take the paper titled “Super Mat Pattern Part 2,” but don’t fold it. Start by cutting off the margins with the words on each side of the paper. Continue cutting the strips in that same direction, from one edge of the paper all the way to the other edge, until you have six strips with sections of the hidden picture.
3. Take the strips you just cut and weave them into Part 1 of the pattern so the blank squares are each covered with a piece of the hidden picture. The strips should alternate, with one going under the margin, then the next one going over the margin, etc. Keep weaving until you can see the whole picture! Put your name at the bottom of your picture.
Optional: When done weaving, children may use tape or staples to secure the edges. Or, they may use the hole punch to add holes on the edge of each strip, then weave raffia, ribbon, string, or yarn through the holes and tie the ends. Be prepared to help younger children or those with special needs.
The friends displayed great faith when they carried the man on the mat to see Jesus. They did not give up when they could not get near Jesus because of the crowds. They carried the man up to the roof and made a hole in the roof so they could lower the man down to Jesus for his healing! Jesus Christ still heals today, He hasn’t changed! Let’s say our SuperTruth: “Jesus is my healer.”