Directions:
The kids will use a pompom as a “stamp” to decorate their big fish.  Have the baby wipes available to clean their hands and the table when finished.

Our littles in this class are still developing their fine motor skills so we are looking for ways that work for their growing hands. Please give me feedback on how this goes.

Say:
In our story today, Jonah was thrown into the sea by a big storm. Did Jonah follow God at first? No! So, Jonah was swallowed by a fish! See him there in the fish's tummy? God wants everyone to follow and trust in Him. God loves us and sent Jesus to save us.

Directions:
We have a special book to read from today. It talks about the different sea creatures that God has made with real animals and pictures inside. This is a great way to inspire awe of God’s creation with the kids.

Directions:
Tell the kids that you have something inside the bag that reminds you of a part of the story we read.  Have the kids take turns feeling the object while it is in the bag but not pulling it out. Have them try to guess what they feel. *Be sure this is a happy experience, please do not do anything that would frighten the children or make them afraid to put their hands in the bag.*

Say:
There is something in this bag that reminds me of our Bible lesson. Feel what is inside. Can you guess what it is? It is a fish. God told Jonah to speak to the people in Nineveh who were doing wrong things. Did Jonah listen to God? No! Jonah did not listen to God. Jonah ran away and got on a boat. God sent a storm. Jonah was thrown in the sea, and God sent a fish to swallow Jonah.

Directions:
Using the fishing soft toy, show the kids how they can “fish” with the fishing poles. These are so easy to use and the Velcro works great.  After they catch a fish, they can put it into the corresponding colored cup.  You can also count the fish in each cup at the end.
 
Say:
Did God send a huge fish or a tiny fish? God sent a huge fish to swallow Jonah because he disobeyed God. After the fish spat Jonah out, he went to Nineveh and told the people about God. God wants everyone to turn from their sin and obey Him. He sent Jesus to save us.