Leader Guide
Game
- Two poster boards for every team of 4-6 children. You may substitute small rugs or towels.
- White board and marker, or chalkboard and chalk
- One beach ball or large round balloon per team
- Painters tape or masking tape
- Four small cardboard boxes or shallow containers
- Timer, such as a stopwatch, clock, or watch with a second hand, or timer app
Inflate the beach balls or balloons, one per team.
Tape the poster boards on the floor in sets of two, spaced about 6 feet apart––see diagram.
In Large Group, you were asked to listen carefully for what occupation or trade Paul, Aquila and Priscilla all had. Raise your hand if you know the answer. They all were tentmakers.
Today’s game is based on the SuperVerse, so let’s say it together. Acts 17:28:
We are alive because of God, and we live in God.
Point to the poster boards on the floor. These poster boards represent living in God. God orders our steps and sets our bounds as we choose to live within His will for our lives. Our game is about how we live and move and have our being in Him—and it’s called “Watch Your Step.”
Hold up a ball or balloon. The ball represents whatever happens in our lives—good or bad! It can be success or failure, joy or sadness. It represents our daily activities, our conversations and thoughts. Paul walked in step with God; however, he still faced challenges and opposition to his faith. Paul knew that not everyone would believe the Good News; yet many people in Athens and Corinth became followers of Jesus—even the leader of a Jewish synagogue and his household! (See Acts 17:34, 18:7–8.)
Once I divide you into teams, choose someone you don't know very well to be your partner. When it’s your turn, you and your partner will hit the ball back and forth as many times as you can while always keeping at least one foot on the poster board. If both feet are off at the same time, or if the ball hits the ground, your turn ends. Then, the next set of players immediately takes your place and starts hitting the ball. You get one point for every time you hit the ball, so count aloud as you play—then give your leader the total to keep score.
Divide the children into teams of 4–6 children. Teams should have an even number of children, or one player may need to play twice. Choose a leader for each team. Have children choose someone they don’t know very well to be their partner.
Set the timer for about 3–5 minutes and say Go.
One pair from each team plays at the same time.
After a pair completes their turn, they become spotters to watch the next players’ feet.
When time is up, count the points for each team and declare a winner.
Play another round if time permits.
Conclusion: You did a great job watching your step! Let’s learn more about living in God in our teaching time.