Supplies
- “Face” handout (1 per child) (download here)
- “Hat” handout (1 per child) (download here)
- “Shirt” handout (1 per child) (download here)
- “Pants” handout (1 per child) (download here)
- markers
- a few colors of yarn
- large resealable plastic bags (1 per child)
- foam stickers (optional)
Easy Prep
- Cut each handout in half.
- Cut at least six 6-inch pieces and six 2-inch pieces of each color of yarn per child.
- Make one character set as an example.
Color Each Part
Say: Today we learned how Jesus changed some fishermen’s lives. And Jesus can change our lives. Let’s make some fun characters that we can change as many times as we want.
Show children the character set you made. Line up one face, one hat, one shirt, and one set of pants. Show the children how you can change up different pieces by trading out your alternate face, hat, shirt, or pants. Also, switch out the hair. If you have foam stickers, you can use those to make eyes, noses, mouths, ears, or clothing patterns (without actually sticking them on the paper). If you don’t have foam stickers, there will just be fewer changes that kids can make.
Have the children color each of their faces, hats, shirts, and pants.
Change the Characters
Allow time for children to play with their character sets, changing out the different parts and making different looks.
As children work, lead them in talking about good changes in preschoolers’ lives, such as bedtime changes, going to school, moving to a new home, meeting new friends, or new things they learn that help make their lives better.
Say: Jesus can change our lives. And that’s a good thing! When we’re friends with Jesus, he makes our every day better!
Store each child’s character set pieces in a large plastic bag so kids can take the sets home without losing any parts.