Jonah and the Whale Craft Printable
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When I taught Sunday School, I quickly learned that craft time helps reinforce the Bible lesson in a way kids remember. After hearing the story of Jonah, children loved having something they could take home and interact with later. It gave parents an opportunity to ask about the lesson, and kids were excited to retell the story all over again.
One challenge, though, is time. Most Sunday School classes last about an hour, and Vacation Bible School (VBS) often leaves even less time for crafts after music, Bible lessons, games, and snacks. That’s why I love simple projects like this Jonah and the Whale craft. With a little prep work before class—printing the templates, punching a few holes, and adding a little tape—kids can quickly assemble an adorable whale that lets Jonah slide in and out as they retell the Bible story.
Whether you’re teaching Sunday School, planning a VBS craft, leading a homeschool Bible lesson, or working in a Christian classroom, this easy printable is inexpensive to make, fun for kids, and simple enough for busy teachers to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Jonah and the Whale Craft
- Interactive Bible craft kids can play with after class
- Includes a free printable
- Great for preschool through elementary ages
- Perfect for Sunday School, homeschool, Christian classrooms, and VBS
- Uses inexpensive craft supplies
- Easy enough to prepare for an entire classroom
Supplies You’ll Need for this Jonah and the Whale Craft
| Supply | Notes |
|---|---|
| Jonah and the Whale Printable | Print on white cardstock |
| 16-ounce clear plastic cup | Creates the whale body |
| Blue cardstock | For the whale tail |
| White rope or thick string | Helps Jonah move in and out |
| Large googly eye | Self-adhesive or glue it on |
| Strong tacky glue | If using regular googly eyes |
| Clear tape | Attach the whale tail inside the cup |
| Hole punch | Punches Jonah and the cup |
| Black Sharpie | Draw the whale’s smile |
| Scissors | Cut out the printable |
How to Make This Jonah and the Whale Craft
Print the Jonah and the Whale Craft Printable
For the best results, print the printable on white cardstock. Each page includes three Jonah characters and three whale tails, making it perfect for classrooms and small groups.
Cut Out Jonah and the Whale Tail
Carefully cut around the dotted lines. Punch the hole at the top of Jonah.
Attach the Whale Tail
Fold the tab on the whale tail.
Slide the folded tab inside the bottom of the plastic cup and secure it with clear tape or glue.
Add the Whale Face
Attach the googly eye to the side of the cup.
Draw a smiling mouth using a black permanent marker.
Add the Rope
Punch a small hole near the open end of the cup.
Thread the rope through the hole and tie it securely.
Attach the other end through Jonah’s hole so he can slide into the whale.
Download Your Free Jonah and the Whale Craft Printable
Ready to make your own Jonah and the Whale craft? Simply download the free printable below and print it on white cardstock for the best results.
Each printable page includes:
- 3 Jonah cutouts
- 3 whale tails with folding tabs
- Easy-to-cut templates for classroom use
The printable is designed to pair with a 16-ounce clear plastic cup, making it a fun interactive craft that lets kids move Jonah in and out of the whale as they learn the Bible story.
Whether you’re planning a Sunday School craft, Vacation Bible School (VBS) activity, homeschool lesson, or Christian classroom project, this printable makes preparing for class quick and easy.
Click the button below to download your free Jonah and the Whale Craft Printable PDF.
⬇️ [DOWNLOAD THE FREE PRINTABLE]
Teacher Tip for Sunday School and VBS
If you’re making this Sunday School craft with a large group, prepare the cups before class by punching the holes and attaching the whale tails ahead of time. Younger children can then decorate the whale and attach Jonah without needing extra help.
Self-adhesive googly eyes also save a surprising amount of time during classroom crafts.
Why This Bible Craft Works So Well
Unlike many printable Bible crafts, this one is interactive. Children don’t simply color and glue—they can actually move Jonah into the whale while hearing the Bible story.
Hands-on learning helps children remember important Bible lessons and keeps younger kids engaged during Sunday School, homeschool lessons, or Vacation Bible School.
Tips for the Best Jonah and the Whale Preschool Craft
- Print on cardstock instead of printer paper.
- Clear tape sticks better than many school glues on plastic cups.
- String or thick cotton rope is easier for small hands to pull.
- Use large googly eyes for the cutest whale.
- Let the glue dry completely before using the craft.
- Pre-cut the printable for preschool students.
Ways to Use This Craft
Sunday School Craft
This interactive craft works perfectly with lessons about Jonah’s obedience and God’s forgiveness.
VBS Craft
Kids love pulling Jonah inside the whale while learning the Bible story during Vacation Bible School.
Christian School Craft
Use the printable during Bible class or as part of a classroom Bible lesson.
Homeschool Bible Lesson
Parents can combine this craft with reading the Book of Jonah for a memorable hands-on activity.
FAQ
What size cup works best?
A 16-ounce clear plastic cup creates the perfect whale and gives Jonah plenty of room to slide inside.
Should I print the printable on cardstock?
Yes. Cardstock is much sturdier than regular printer paper and helps Jonah last through repeated play.
Can I use yarn instead of rope?
Absolutely! Thick yarn or cotton string works well as long as children can easily pull Jonah into the whale.
How do I attach the whale tail?
Fold the tab on the whale tail and secure it inside the cup with clear tape or a strong adhesive.
Is this a good preschool Sunday School craft?
Yes! Adults may want to prepare the cups beforehand, but preschoolers love decorating the whale and playing with Jonah.
Can I use this craft for Vacation Bible School?
Definitely. Since each printable page includes three Jonahs and three whale tails, it’s an economical craft for VBS groups.
More Bible Crafts Kids Love
If your children enjoyed this craft about Jonah and the whale, be sure to check out our other printable Bible crafts, Sunday School activities, Christian classroom projects, and easy VBS crafts for kids.
