Leader Guide
Soccer Activity
- Two different colored playground balls: soft vinyl or beach balls
- One additional helper–a leader or 6th grade helper
- Optional: timer, such as a stopwatch, clock or watch with second hand, or timer app
- Whiteboard and marker or chalkboard and chalk if playing in the classroom; paper and pencil to keep score if outdoors or in a gym
This activity is ideally played outdoors or in a gym. If playing in a classroom, clear a large area.
Joy and Chris were on the soccer team and competing to be chosen for the all-star team. How did they pass the ball back and forth to each other? They kicked it.
We are going to kick the ball to one another as we discuss
today’s Bible story.
This is a large group activity and game. Divide the children into two equal groups. A leader may need to play to even the teams. Have each group stand in a line, across from and facing each other, leaving at least 10–12 feet between the lines.
Children should stand at arm’s length from the
players on either side.
I will place the ball in front of a player at one end and ask a question
about the Bible story. The player will answer quickly and then kick it to the
player directly across from him/her. We will do this until everyone has had a
chance to play at least once. Listen carefully before you answer and kick, I
will ask a new question at different points in the activity.
Give
a ball to the first player at one end and side. Ask the first question. At
different points in the activity, ask a new question. If any child is
uncomfortable answering. The child may say, “PASS” and kick the ball to the
next player.
Choose as many questions as you wish from the
list or ask your own.
1. Using only one or two words,
how would you describe Stephen in the Bible? Faithful, courageous,
strong, spirit-filled, brave, bold, Disciple, Christian, God-fearing, committed.
2. In one word, how do you
think Stephen felt when he was being accused before the council? Anxious, nervous,
confident, bold, empowered, strong, determined, outnumbered, humbled.
3. In a few words what did
you learn about God from the story? He sees us, He is near, He empowers us, He is
our light, He is faithful, He loves us, He came to save, He forgives, He
is merciful.
4. How will you respond differently
to persecution and troubles after hearing the story? Pray for
others, be bold, endure suffering for Christ, speak the truth, forgive others,
trust God, be patient.
Optional Game: After the discussion, play a
large group game to kick the ball using the same team alignment but instead,
the teams will work together to achieve the best time without answering
questions! Place the ball near the player at one end of the line, and that
player will kick it along the floor to the player across. Keep doing this until
the ball reaches the last player, who will kick it to a leader to stop the
clock. Record the time and play again to try to do it faster each time.
Play a game with two balls. Start a ball at
each end of the line to travel to the opposite end at the same time.
Important:
instruct the players to stop the ball with a foot first before they aim and
kick it to the next player. Record the time on the board and play again to try
to beat it.
Conclusion: Nice teamwork everyone! Put your hands out sideways and clap each other’s hands!