1. Children should be able to tell the story of Jonah.
  2. Children should identify another reason for disobedience – dislike of the command.

Possible Lesson Plan:

  1. Open with prayer.
  2. Scripture Reference: Jonah 1-3. Remember that Ninevah was the capital of the Assyrians, who were poised to conquer the entire land of Israel.


  1. Learning Game: Where in the world is Jonah now? Divide the class into 3 groups. Have each group pretend they are doing the evening news for one of the three cities: Joppa, Tarshish, Nineveh. How would the story of Jonah play in each? Where are these cities?


  1. Discuss disobedience again: Why did Jonah disobey God? Did he think the command was silly? Did he have trouble hearing God? Or did he dislike the command? Why? Remember that Nineveh was the capital of the Hebrews worst enemy. Did Jonah expect a warm welcome there? Did he have good cause to hate the Assyrians? Are you ever asked to do something you dislike? What? What were the consequences to Jonah for disobedience? What happens to you?

  1. Make a Port-a-Story Board:

Take a pizza box for each child; pizza places will usually give these to you for free if you ask. Line the inside bottom with light blue felt on the top, tan beach and dark blue sea on the bottom. Cut a large fish, Jonah, sailors, and boat out of felt and decorate with markers, yarn, felt clothes, etc.; or color figures from coloring book, cut out along with identical piece of felt and glue felt on the back. Use like flannelboard to tell the story. Cover the outside of the box with construction paper. Write “The Story of Jonah” on the top. Attach a handle of pipe cleaner or felt to carry the story board.


  1. Close with prayer.