In our Sunday school class, we recently learned about Jonah and the big fish. We have been working out of the Sunday School Specials 3 curriculum by Lois Keffer (which I have really enjoyed!), but when we got to the craft for that lesson, I thought I would do something a little more in-depth. I ended up landing on this super cute Jonah and the big fish sun catcher! I liked this craft because it was doable for all ages, we have a wide range of ages in our small class, and the children could really make it their own. The kids really had fun with this one! If you would like to make your own, here is a step-by-step guide, and you can download the printable template for free by clicking the link at the end of this post. Just a heads up, this blog post does have affiliate links. This just means that if you make a purchase, I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you!
Supplies:
Step 1: Cut out your template
The first step is to cut out the whale. The printable comes with two options. There is this realistic version and a simpler version that is a little easier to cut out.
Step 2: Trace your template onto blue or clack construction paper
Trace the outline of your whale onto the paper. This will be your template for what to cut. Be careful not to get your whale too close to the edge!
Step 3: Cut out the outline of the whale
The next step is to cut out the outline of the whale. The goal here is not to cut the edges of the paper. To start in the middle, slightly pinch your paper and cut, then you will have an opening to cut out the rest of the outline.
Step 4: Place your outline on contact paper or a laminating sheet Lay your contact paper or laminating sheet on your work area, sticky side up. Place your construction paper on top of the contact paper or laminating sheet. Do this slowly, it is very sticky! If you are having trouble picking between contact paper and laminating sheets I have found that laminating sheets are easier if you have little children in your class. Contact paper is less expensive, but you may have to help each child with this part if you choose it.
Step 5: Place your Jonah cutout on the sticky sheet
Make sure that it is face side down! This will make it show through the sun catcher. An alternative for little kids is to glue your Jonah cutout to the outside of the project at the end.
Step 6: Stick your tissue paper to the sticky sheet
Use any color of tissue paper and stick it to the sticky area. It doesn’t have to be perfect, the design will look great when we flip it around 🙂 The smallest helpers in your class or homeschool will love cutting or tearing the tissue paper into small pieces.
Step 7: (Optional) Cut out another whale pattern
If you want your project to look even on each side, you can cut out another whale pattern on a new piece of construction paper. Put another sheet of laminating paper on this side, trim all of the excess, and you’re done!
And there you have it! A simple craft showing Jonah praying in the belly of the big fish. This craft is simple to do, but it made the kids feel really accomplished! It is such a pretty piece, I really love having it in our playroom at home.
To download your free template, click HERE: Jonah and the Big Fish Template
If you liked this craft, consider joining my email list! I post new crafts like this every week!
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