One of the lessons I return to often when teaching my children is the Fruit of the Spirit.
I wanted a way to teach these beautiful, biblical character traits in a way that felt gentle, memorable, and hands-on.
That is how these Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Pages and Playdough Mats came to life.
They are simple, intentional activities designed to help children see, touch, and talk about the fruits of the Spirit while connecting them directly to Scripture.
Whether you are using them at home, in a homeschool rhythm, or in a church setting, these activities create space for meaningful learning.
What Are the Fruits of the Spirit?
The Fruit of the Spirit comes from Galatians 5:22–23, which says:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”
These are not just good behaviors we try harder to practice. They are qualities that grow in us as we walk with the Holy Spirit.
When I teach this to children, I keep it simple. Just like fruit grows on a healthy tree, these qualities grow in our hearts when we stay connected to God.
This is the heart behind these activities.
If you enjoy teaching Scripture through creative, hands-on activities, the memorable days of creation crafts for kids are another gentle way to bring Bible lessons to life.
Teaching the Fruit of the Spirit Through Play
Young children learn best when their hands are busy and their minds are relaxed.
Sitting still and listening has its place, but real understanding often comes while coloring, shaping, and creating.
These activities allow children to:
- Engage with Scripture in an age-appropriate way
- Build fine motor skills
- Practice listening and discussion
- Associate each fruit with a clear visual
- Learn without feeling overwhelmed
It also opens the door to gentle conversations.
Moments where we can talk about patience during frustration, or kindness during sibling disagreements, without shame or pressure.
If you’re also looking for seasonal ways to keep Bible learning playful, the easy easter story egg craft for kids is another hands-on option children love.
What Is Included in the Free Printable Set?
This free printable includes two complementary activities designed to work together or stand alone.
Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Page
These pages feature each fruit of the Spirit illustrated as a real fruit, labeled clearly for children to recognize and remember.
Each page includes:
- A bold fruit outline
- The name of the fruit of the Spirit
- A clean design that works well for crayons, markers, or colored pencils
These are perfect for quiet time, Bible lessons, or independent work.
Fruit of the Spirit Playdough Mat
The playdough mats use the same fruit illustrations but are designed for hands-on learning.
Each mat encourages children to:
- Shape playdough to match the fruit
- Trace or cover the outlines
- Build the fruit again and again through repetition
For durability, I recommend printing and laminating these pages.
How to Use the Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Page
The coloring pages are intentionally simple, which makes them versatile for many ages.
Supplies You Will Need
- Printed coloring page
- Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Print the coloring pages on regular printer paper.
- Have your child color the fruit picture using crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
- Encourage them to color inside the lines, or freely if they prefer.
- If desired, have your child trace over the letters of the fruit name with a crayon or pencil.
- Once finished, allow the page to dry if markers were used, then set it aside or display it.
For early Bible foundations, pairing this with Adam and Eve craft ideas for preschoolers can help children understand God’s design and purpose from the very beginning.
How to Use the Fruit of the Spirit Playdough Mats
The playdough mats are where learning really slows down and sinks in.
Supplies You Will Need
- Printed playdough mats
- Laminator and laminating sheets (recommended)
- Playdough in various colors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Print the playdough mats and place each page inside a laminating sheet.
- Run the sheets through a laminator and allow them to cool completely.
- Place one laminated mat on a flat surface.
- Have your child choose playdough colors.
- Show your child how to roll playdough into small balls or thin ropes.
- Have your child place the playdough onto the laminated mat to fill in the fruit outline.
- If letters are included, have your child form the letters using rolled playdough.
- Once complete, remove the playdough from the mat.
- Wipe the laminated surface clean and store flat for future use.
Because the mats are reusable, children can return to them again and again. Repetition builds familiarity, and familiarity builds understanding.
Where These Activities Fit Into Your Day
One of the reasons I love these printables is their flexibility.
They work beautifully for:
- Homeschool Bible lessons
- Morning basket time
- Sunday school activities
- Quiet time or rest time
- Family devotionals
A simple setup and ten intentional minutes can make a lasting impact.
For other faith-based activities, the meaningful crafts that teach the 10 commandments fit naturally into family or classroom Bible study.
Why Scripture-Based Learning Matters
Everything in these activities points back to God’s Word.
We are teaching children where those traits come from. Scripture gives context, meaning, and truth.
When children understand that these fruits come from walking with God, it shifts the focus from performance to relationship.
This same approach works well when exploring other Biblical themes, such as the feasts of the Bible.
The simple Passover crafts help children connect hands-on activities with deeper Scripture meaning.
Let’s Grow the Fruit Together
Teaching the Fruit of the Spirit is really simple!
With simple tools, intentional conversation, and Scripture at the center, these lessons can become some of the sweetest moments in your day.
I hope these Fruit of the Spirit Coloring Pages and Playdough Mats bless your home the way they have blessed mine.
Download one of our free Fruit of the Spirit printables today, and let learning unfold naturally through play.
Want to Continue the Lesson?
If you are looking for a simple way to build on this Fruit of the Spirit activity, I created another hands-on craft that pairs beautifully with it.
Before we talk about how we grow love, joy, peace, and self-control, it helps children deeply understand why we grow them in the first place.
Because Jesus loves us.
This Jesus Loves Me Craft is a gentle, Scripture-centered activity that helps children visually and creatively connect with the truth of God’s love.
It works wonderfully alongside the Fruit of the Spirit printables and fits naturally into family devotion time, homeschool lessons, or Sunday school.
FAQS
Are these Fruit of the Spirit printables suitable for toddlers?
Yes, they are very toddler-friendly.
With supervision, toddlers can enjoy the coloring pages and simple playdough shaping. The focus at this age is exposure, not mastery.
Can I use these printables for Sunday school or church groups?
Absolutely. These activities work well in small group settings. Laminated playdough mats are especially helpful for repeated use.
Do I need a laminator to use the playdough mats?
A laminator is recommended but not required. Without lamination, you can place the pages inside sheet protectors as an alternative.
How many times can the playdough mats be reused?
When laminated, they can be reused many times.
Simply wipe them clean after each use and store them flat.
Should I teach all nine fruits at once?
I recommend focusing on one fruit at a time.
This allows children to better understand and remember each fruit without feeling overwhelmed.
