Table Top Fútbol

Materials

• 2-piece white 11 x 8 x 1 shirt boxes (see ULINE S-7093), 1 for every 2 children
• Half Field Pattern (download below)*
• Green card stock, 2 sheets per child*
• White poster board, one 22 x 28-in. sheet for every 44 children
• International Flags Pattern (download below)
• Verse and Balls Pattern (download below)
• White copy paper, sheet per child
• Coffee straws, 2 per child
• White air dry modeling compound, a “marble size” amount per child (A 4 oz. pouch will accommodate 75–80 children)

*A Full Field Pattern is also provided. If you choose this option, only 1 sheet of green card stock is required; however, the field will be ¼-in. short at each end.

Tools and Basic Supplies

• Office paper cutter
• Scissors
• Glue sticks
• Colored markers and highlighters

Pre-prep

1. Photocopy the Half Field Pattern onto green card stock. Then use a paper cutter to cut out two half fields per child. (If, instead, you are using the Full Field Pattern, photocopy onto green card stock, one per child.)
2. Photocopy the International Flags Pattern onto white copy paper. Then cut the sheets in half where indicated, one half sheet per child.
3. Photocopy the Verse and Balls Pattern onto white copy paper. Then cut the sheets into slips where indicated, one slip per child.
4. Cut openings 1-in. wide x 1-in. high for goals at each end of the boxes.
5. Cut the poster board into 11 x 1-in. strips, two per child.
6. Make “marble size” (½-in.) diameter balls with the modeling compound, one per child. Or, wait and open the pouches of modeling compound during class and let the kids form their own soccer balls.

Teaching Tie-In

Show the sample craft and say:

Today’s craft is a Table Top Fútbol game. In South America, soccer is called fútbol. It’s a favorite sport there, as it is all over the world. It’s interesting how people across the globe enjoy some of the same activities, but also enjoy many different ctivities, too. These differences in cultures began after people built a tower and then God scattered them over the earth. These events are recorded in Genesis 11. When we start with the Bible, we are able to understand how different languages and cultures came about.

Do you see the verse we’re going to put on the side? Let’s read it together. Do so. What do you think that means? Take responses. That’s a scene from heaven showing how people from every nation and tribe who know Jesus will be in heaven. Isn’t it cool to think that just like people all over our world like soccer, people who know Jesus as their Savior will some day all be together in heaven?

Class Time Directions

1. Glue stick the two half fields to the inside bottom of the box to create a complete field. There should be a circle in the middle and goals at each end.
2. To simulate a crowd of spectators, use markers to cover one side of each poster board strip with tiny colored circles. Then glue stick them to the inside of the box along the top edge of both sidelines.
3. Cut out the flags, verses, and soccer balls. Glue stick the flags and verses to the outside of the box and the soccer ball to the center circle on the field.
4. Now you’re ready to play! Place the ball in the center of the field. Then use a straw to blow the ball into your opponent’s goal.

Tip Corner

• Use regular straws for younger kids.
• Kids can use permanent markers to add black pentagons to their soccer balls. However, they need to be careful because the ink smears easily until it is completely dry.

Super Simple Idea

Each day, at least one super simple option is included, which is a pre-made craft kit from Oriental Trading Company (call 1-800-875-8480 or visit orientaltrading.com) that goes along with the main concepts of the day.

As an alternative to the Day 1 main crafts, try one of the following craft kits. Note that these are available at the time of printing and may not be available later.

• DIY Unfinished Wood Airplane Kits (Item Number: 48/3946)—Manufacturer recommends for children ages 5 and up. Paints not included.
• God Created Me Sign Craft Kit (Item Number: 13766862)—Manufacturer does not recommend for children under 3 years of age.