Whistle, Listen, Do – A Fun Bible School Activity for Your Kids To Learn James 1:22

James 1:22 says this: “Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves, but do what it says.” If Christians do not do what the Bible says to do, then can they really call themselves a Christian? If we have chosen to make God our Commanding Officer, then it’s our responsibility to obey Him out of great love for all that He’s done for us. Here’s a fun Bible school activity to help your kids learn this important truth and Scripture.

Here’s what you do:

This activity will be played best with 8 or more children. The only equipment you will need for this game is a whistle. Have the players stand at random around your playing area. You, the teacher, will then blow the whistle two, three or four times signifying to your class the kinds of groups that they need to form by holding hands. In other words, if the whistle is blown two times, the children must form groups of two. If groups are formed and a player or players are left out, then that child or children will then need to say James 1:22 from memory. If he is successful, he may play the next round. If not, he will have to wait for the next round to be over and try and say the verse again. He can consult a Bible or poster giving the Scripture during a round of play in order to help him recite it correctly. These will be the rules for anyone who is left out of a group. Once a child says the verse correctly, they can enter back into the game.

Before playing the game, introduce the lesson in the following way:

Who can give me some examples of things that God wants us to do? (Wait for responses such as “love one another”, “pray” or “worship”.) Yes. All those are great examples. Where do we learn to do those things? (Wait for responses such as from God or the Bible.) Christians mainly learn what God wants them to do from the Bible or Word of God. Who would like to read James 1:22? (Have a child read this verse.) This verse says that if we do not do what God tells us to do it’s like we are living a lie. In other words, if you say you are a Christian, but don’t act like a Christian, then you are lying to God, yourself and the world about who you say you are. Do you want to be known as a liar? (Wait for responses.) I hope not. God sent His Son do die for you so that you can become a Christian. If you do obey God, it should be done out of great love, joy and gratitude for what He has done for you. Let’s play a game called “Whistle, Listen and Do” to help us learn James 1:22. Before we play, let’s say James 1:22 several times together to help you memorize it as quickly as possible.

After the kids have a good handle on memorizing James 1:22, you are ready to play the game. Have fun!