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Teaching the Ten Commandments to Kids: A Fun and Simple Game

Teaching the Ten Commandments to children might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! With a little creativity and a dash of fun, you can engage kids in a way that both educates and entertains. In this article, we’ll explore a light-hearted game called "Commandments Relay" that brings the important lessons of the Ten Commandments to life while keeping the little ones involved and excited.

Why Teach the Ten Commandments?

The Ten Commandments are not just religious guidelines; they offer fundamental principles of ethical behaviour and moral integrity. Teaching these concepts to kids helps establish a foundation for good character and decision-making. By introducing them through games and activities, children are more likely to grasp the meanings and importance of these commandments.

Setting Up the Game: Commandments Relay

What You’ll Need:

• Index cards or small pieces of paper
• Markers or pens
• A timer (or a smartphone with a timer)
• Space to run (a garden, playground, or large room)
• Small prizes (optional, but great for motivation)

Preparation:

1. Write the Commandments: On separate index cards, write down each of the Ten Commandments in a child-friendly manner. For instance:

   • No stealing
   • No lying
   • Honour your parents
   • No false gods
   • Keep the Sabbath holy
   • Do not covet
   • No murder
   • No adultery
   • No misuse of the Lord’s name
   • Remember God
2. Place the Cards: Spread the cards out in a designated area, ensuring there is enough space for kids to run safely.

How to Play:

1. Divide into Teams: Split the kids into small teams, ensuring a mix of ages if possible. This encourages teamwork and communication.

2. Explain the Rules: Each team will take turns sending one player to retrieve a Commandment card and then race back to their team. Upon returning, they must read the Commandment aloud and briefly explain what it means in their own words.

3. Set the Timer: Decide on a time limit for the relay—perhaps a minute for each round. Teams will try to collect as many cards as they can within the time limit.

4. Scoring: Points can be awarded based on the number of correctly gathered cards and the quality of the explanations. Offering bonus points for fun or creative explanations can add to the enjoyment!

5. Repeat: Play several rounds, ensuring everyone gets a chance to participate. You can even introduce variations, like allowing kids to swap cards or challenge other teams to answer questions about their commandments.

Wrap-Up Discussion:

After the game concludes, gather the children and have a group discussion about what they’ve learned. Ask open-ended questions such as:

• Which commandment do you think is the most important and why?
• How can we follow these commandments in our daily lives?
• Did any of the commandments surprise you?

This discussion reinforces their understanding and gives them a chance to express their thoughts.

Conclusion

The "Commandments Relay" presents a delightful way to help kids learn about the Ten Commandments while fostering teamwork, communication, and critical thinking skills. By turning a traditional lesson into a game, you create an environment of joy and curiosity, making it easier for children to absorb these important teachings. So gather your kids, grab those index cards, and let the fun begin! After all, instilling values should be as enjoyable as it is educational, paving the way for many little joys in their lives.

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