Jesus Once Was a Little Child Ancient Games

You will have so much fun playing the ancient games of Christ’s childhood to tie into teaching the 2nd verse of Jesus Once Was a Little Child (archives) during Singing Time! In this fun Jesus Once Was a Little Child Ancient Games lesson plan, I’ve created 4 different fun games from the time of Christ to try out with your Primary children!

**More Jesus Once Was a Little Child Singing Time Ideas**

Jesus Once Was a Little Child Ancient Games

Sing through Jesus Once Was a Little Child with our flip chart once, before introducing your ancient games. This is a great way to review the song and transition to a new activity, before adding another element to the mix

Let the children pick one of the 4 Ancient Games to play or play them in the order of your own choosing. I would recommend playing through each of the games 2-3 times each, before switching to a new game.

Let the kids try their hand at these 4 fun ancient games! I’ve included 2 below in the free printable, and 2 more in the extended printables!

Catch the Ball: Spread out in the Primary room or form a circle. Toss the ball to someone while singing. Can we make it through the song without the ball touching the ground? Choose a small bean filled ball, like a hackey sack, if possible, to be more authentic to the type of ball they would have used during Jesus’ time.

• You can adapt this game to pause the music at random intervals and have the child holding the ball sing or say what work comes next! Then continue the music.
• Up the challenge by adding a 2nd or even 3 balls and see if your group can keep up with keeping all the balls off the ground.
• Pass the ball to the right around the circle on each new word. You can have each child holding the ball sing the next word if you are reviewing the song.

Foot Races: Let two children try a simple footrace. Tape a simple start and finish line using painters tape or masking tape onto the floor. Let them race just like children back in Christ’s day would have enjoyed racing. Let the winner help you lead the song or pick a fun way to sing!

• You could up the foot race challenge and include more children by creating a relay style race or letting your runners pick a buddy. When they get to the finish line they will tag their friend and then they will run back from the finish to the start line.
• You could take the races outside and invite everyone to try their hand to run across the field as you sing through the song. Keep in mind temperatures outdoors and your building setup to ensure you have the space for this setup.

For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Pioneer Games singing time activity!

Jesus Once Was a Little Child Ancient Games Printable Song Helps

This free in-post printable includes game cards for 2 ancient games!

This activity has extended printables available, including 4 ancient games with game instructions sheets, cards to pick a game in 1/4, half-page, and full page posters. It also includes an ancient checkers printable game board. You’ll find these extended printables included in the INSTANT Primary Singing membership. You’ll find these bonus files included when Jesus Once Was a Little Child is the featured song of the month. They can also be found in my shop in the Jesus Once Was a Little Child Singing Time packet here.

For another fun and engaging activity following the song rhythm, head over to this Jesus Once Was a Little Child Rhythm Sticks singing time idea!

What other fun ways will you use this ancient games singing time activity in your Primary room?