Craft up a simple game -- while you teach kids about not giving up!

 Whatever you do, work at it with all our heart, as working for the LORD... Colossians 3:23

Recently, I was reminded of this simple and simply-fun way of reinforcing the importance of persistence and not-giving up.  God's Word is packed-full of great verses and stories with this "keep-on-keeping-on" message. This super-cheap craft adapts easily to whatever verse or lesson you like, and its simple materials make it a winner in a classroom as well as outdoors for picnics and camps.

What you need to make one cone-catcher: 81/2 x 11" cardstock, about 12" string/yarn,  about 7x7" foil sheet, markers/crayons to color, stapler & scissors.

Decorate the cardstock with verse or message with black sharpie and make copies as needed.  The catching cone works best if top corners are trimmed off, but this is not necessary.

Knot one end of the string and staple to the bottom inside of the cone before you make it into a cone.  Roll the sides in and make the cone and staple to secure. String should be coming out the tip of the cone now.

 

Here's the really fun part: have child hold the foil sheet in their palm, lay the other end of the string in the center of the foil. Have them close their hand and make a ball.  String should be secure inside the foil ball. So cool.

Now, have them learn about persistence as they learn how to catch the foil ball with the cone. A perfect opportunity to talk about working hard, not giving up as they practice. Simple. Fun. Worthy of repeating!