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God Sends a Big Fish

A Big Fish Swallows Jonah

Day 166of 180
Week 34of 36
15Minutes
← Day 165Day 166 of 180Day 167 →
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Understand that God can do amazing things

2

Learn that God is always watching over us

3

Begin to grasp the concept of God's protection

📖 Scripture Connection

Jonah 1:17

“Yahweh prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights.”

— Jonah 1:17 (WEB)

Shows God's power and plan, even when people try to run away

📦 Materials Needed

  • Blue blanket or sheet
  • Stuffed animal fish or fish puppet
  • BibleMouse Resource Guide: Grade PK3 Bible
  • Coloring page from BibleMouse Printables Library
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (3 min)

Let's remember our story about Jonah! Who remembers what happened yesterday?

💭 Review Question: What did Jonah do when God told him to go to Nineveh?
2Teaching (5 min)

Today, we're learning how God sent a HUGE fish to help Jonah!

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Jonah tried to run away from God
  • God made a big fish to keep Jonah safe
  • God loves Jonah and wants to help him
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • Can you make a big fish shape with your arms?
  • Do you think the fish was scary?
3Activity: Jonah and the Big Fish Adventure (6 min)
storytelling

Create a dramatic storytelling experience with a blue blanket as the ocean

📝 Instructions:
  1. Spread blue blanket on floor
  2. Use fish puppet to 'swallow' Jonah figure
  3. Make whale/fish sounds
  4. Act out the story together
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Just use the puppet to show the story

Challenge: Let child help tell the story with the puppet

4Closing (3 min)

Review the big ideas of God's love and protection

📝 Review Questions:
  • Who sent the big fish?
  • Does God always see us?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for always watching over us, just like you watched over Jonah!

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll learn what happened inside the big fish!

💎 Memory Verse

Psalm 139:7

“God is everywhere!”

— Psalm 139:7 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Play 'Hide and Seek God' - Help child understand God sees them everywhere by playing a fun hiding game

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Jonah's story shows God's mercy and desire to use imperfect people

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Use animated voice to keep attention
  • Make sound effects to engage child
  • Be prepared to repeat story multiple times
🤔 Common Struggles:

Keeping 3-year-old focused on the story

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Child's engagement, ability to repeat simple story elements

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Color BibleMouse Jonah coloring page
  • Create a paper plate fish craft
  • Sing BibleMouse song about God's love

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

Continue to Day 167 →Back to Bible