Children's Sunday School - Preschool Games

Chair for a Crown

by Len

Children play musical chairs for a chance to discover how Jesus loves them.

Materials:
Chairs
Tape or CD of "Jesus Loves Me"
Tape Player
Sticker or treats for each child
Cardboard crown (available from Burger King® or Hallmark®, or you can make your own.)

Duration:
Approximately 15 minutes

Topics:
Love, Just for Fun

Target Age:
Preschool to Grade 1

What you will do:
This game is played similar to the popular "musical chair" game, but with a different spin. Here there are no winners or losers. Place the chairs in a circle, one less than the number of children. Have the kids march around the chairs as you play the song "Jesus Loves Me." If you cannot find a tape or CD, you can simply sing the song, and if the children know the words, they can sing too. When you suddenly stop the music, or shout out the phrase "sit down!" the children all grab a chair and sit down. Give the one who does not find a chair a crown to wear while taking a few moments to tell the other children why they believe Jesus loves them. This is for building up their self-esteem, in that they are not "losers" because they did not get a chair, but are special because of Jesus' love.

When finished, take back the crown and give the child a sticker that says "Jesus Loves Me" or a treat. They can then sit out and watch the others. Remove another chair and continue play until everyone has a chance to wear the crown.

"And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them." (Mark 10: 16)