Paper Plate Craft: Bringing Jonah and the Whale to Life

Jonah and the whale is a beloved Bible story that many of us learned as kids. And now we have turned it into a paper plate craft that kids of all ages will love. Using a few craft supplies you can recreate the Bible story Jonah and the whale. This Jonah and the whale craft is great for older kids and younger kids alike and can be made at home, at church, Sunday school, really anywhere!

Jonah and the Whale Craft For Kids

If you’re not familiar with the story of Jonah, then let me explain. God told Jonah to go to the great city of Nineveh and warn the people of the consequences of their wickedness. And Jonah was scared and didn’t want to go. Instead he fled on a boat and a violent storm came with a great wind that scared everyone on the boat. And he was thrown off the boat by the other sailors and swallowed by a whale (or a great fish). He stayed in the belly of the fish for 3 days and 3 nights until the whale brought him up to dry land. He tells God he is sorry and goes to Nineveh to warn the people.

You can find the whole story in the book of Jonah in the Bible. But this budget-friendly craft is great for kids wanting to bring this Bible story to life. Plus, it allows kids to practice fine motor skills, paint, and design! So, without further ado, let’s make Jonah and the whale!

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Related: We have 6 Jesus loves the little children activities!

Supplies Needed For This Jonah and the Whale

How To Make This Easy Jonah and the Whale Craft

Step 1

Paint the paper plate blue.

Step 2

Cut out a triangle from the right side of the plate. Or the left, you can choose.

Step 3

Glue the triangle to the backside of the paper plate on the opposite side of the mouth. This is the whales fin or tail.

Step 4

Draw a gingerbread man like figure on the white paper. Decorate it anyway you want.

We gave Jonah a white robe, with a red vest.

Then we added brown sandals and a belt. We outlined the robe and erased the legs.

And then we gave him dark curly hair and beard. Cut him out.

Step 5

Glue a red popsicle stick, or a red painted popsicle stick, to the back side of the whale, having it extrude out the mouth.

Step 6

Glue Jonah to the popsicle stick.

Step 7

Glue a large googly on onto the whale. And you’re done!

Make This Jonah and the Whale Craft Your Own

Just like all our crafts there are things you can do to make this craft your own. You can do things like:

• Putting Jonah in the tummy of the whale instead of on the whales tongue.
• Decorate Jonah differently.
• Paint the whale grey instead of blue.
• Adding more fins to the whale.
• Adding a blow hole to the whale.
• Use some glitter on the whale.
• Draw on the whales eye.
• Don’t add a popsicle stick for a tongue, just have Jonah at the whale’s mouth.

Our Experience With This Jonah and the Whale Craft

I love Sunday school crafts. Especially when it’s a story my kids are really interested in, like Jonah. And it’s really a interesting story because the people of Nineveh were saved by Jonah’s actions. Though, he wasn’t necessarily happy about it. But it’s a story of second chance and the Old Testament story kind of hints about Jesus later. So, it’s a fun interactive craft that allows your kids to learn scripture passages as well as find creative ways to bring the story to life.

My kids had a lot of fun making whales. We ended up with blue whales, pink whales, and green whales. They had so many creative ideas when it came to their whales. And you know what, they were all great.

But, I hope your family has fun learning about the power of forgiveness and learning about this well-known biblical tale a little more. It’s fun to explore the journey of Jonah and the redemption of Ninevah.

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What do you think about this Jonah and the whale craft? How did your whale turn out?