Teaching children about Jesus’ 12 disciples becomes especially meaningful when the learning feels steady, inviting, and hands-on.
Simple crafts offer a clear pathway for kids to understand who the disciples were and why their stories continue to matter.
These projects turn everyday materials into purposeful tools for faith formation, giving children a joyful way to explore courage, friendship, and devotion.
As you guide your family through these activities, you’ll notice how naturally conversation opens. Kids ask thoughtful questions. They observe details.
They connect the disciples’ choices to their own growing sense of purpose.
This approach keeps the learning calm, approachable, and rooted in daily life.
Teaching Kids About the 12 Disciples of Jesus
The 12 disciples were ordinary men who chose to follow Jesus with steady commitment and genuine courage.
Each one carried a distinct story, yet they shared a unified purpose: to learn from Jesus and share His good news with others.
When children understand the disciples as real people with real strengths, the lessons become clearer and more approachable.
Here is a simple overview you can share with your kids:
- Peter – confident, outspoken, and eager to learn.
- Andrew – thoughtful and quick to invite others to meet Jesus.
- James (son of Zebedee) – devoted, steady, and strong in character.
- John – compassionate, observant, and deeply connected to Jesus’ teachings.
- Philip – practical and willing to ask honest questions.
- Bartholomew – sincere, loyal, and joyful in his faith.
- Thomas – thoughtful and eager for clarity.
- Matthew – attentive, detail-minded, and open to transformation.
- James (son of Alphaeus) – faithful in quiet, consistent ways.
- Thaddaeus – warm-hearted and intentional in his conversations.
- Simon the Zealot – passionate and purposeful in his commitment.
- Judas Iscariot – included in the twelve and part of Jesus’ ministry.
This simple snapshot helps children see the disciples as individuals with strengths, questions, and growing faith – qualities that make their stories engaging and relatable.
If you want to build on this lesson with something hands on, you can also explore inspiring God’s promises crafts, which help kids connect Bible truths with creative expression.
5 Fun Craft Ideas to Teach Kids About the 12 Disciples
Hands-on projects give children a clear and joyful way to learn about the disciples.
These ideas support steady learning, spark curiosity, and create a calm rhythm as you guide your child through each story.
Craft 1: Twelve Disciples Story Stones
This project helps children connect with each disciple in a tangible way.
Holding a stone while learning a name or story gives kids a strong visual anchor and makes the lesson feel personal and memorable.
Materials:
- Smooth stones (12 pieces)
- Paint or permanent markers
- Clear sealant (optional)
How to Make Them:
- Choose a stone for each disciple.
- Paint or draw simple symbols, names, or colors that represent each one.
- Allow the stones to dry, then seal them if you want extra durability.
How to Use Them:
Invite your child to hold each stone as you talk about the disciple it represents.
Encourage them to notice colors, shapes, and symbols as you share short stories or qualities. This creates a calm, hands-on way to practice the names and reflect on their purpose.
If you’re looking for more fun and faith centered activities, you might also enjoy exploring interactive games for teaching the 10 commandments, which pair well with hands on Bible learning.
Craft 2: Egg Carton Disciples Display
This craft uses a simple egg carton to create a colorful, interactive display of all twelve disciples. Each cup features a printed figure of a disciple, making it easy for children to see the whole group at once.
For more faith centered ideas you can pair with this activity, you might also enjoy exploring meaningful crafts that teach the 10 commandments, which help kids connect biblical truths with hands on creativity.
Materials:
- One cardboard egg carton
- Scissors
- Printed disciple figures (or drawings)
- Glue
How to Make It:
- Cut the egg carton into twelve individual cups.
- Print or draw each disciple figure and cut them out.
- Glue each figure into a separate egg cup.
- Arrange all twelve cups together in the carton or on a tray.
How to Use It:
Invite your child to name each disciple as they place the figures in the carton. This setup gives a clear visual of the disciples as a group, encouraging discussion about their personalities, roles, and shared mission with Jesus.
Craft 3: Popsicle Stick Disciples
This simple craft lets kids create friendly, approachable figures for each disciple.
The popsicle sticks give the project a clean, structured shape, while the clothing pieces and drawn details help children connect with each disciple’s individuality. It’s a steady, enjoyable activity that encourages focus and creativity.
If you want to add another hands-on Bible activity to your lesson plan, you might also enjoy exploring exciting walls of Jericho crafts, which bring another powerful story of faith to life in a playful, engaging way.
Materials:
- Popsicle sticks (12 pieces)
- Markers
- Felt, fabric scraps, or colored paper
- Scissors
- Glue
How to Make It:
- Give each popsicle stick a face using markers.
- Cut small pieces of felt, fabric, or paper to create robes.
- Glue the clothing pieces onto each stick.
- Add simple details such as belts, patterns, or symbols.
- Set the completed disciples upright in a small container or display tray.
How to Use It:
Use the figures to tell short stories about each disciple.
Encourage your child to name the qualities they notice – kindness, courage, helpfulness, and steady faith. This makes each story more vivid and keeps the learning warm, engaging, and easy to remember.
Craft 4: Footsteps of Faith Banner
This banner helps children visualize what it means to follow Jesus with steady confidence.
Tracing their own footprints gives the project a personal touch, while the banner format creates a clear, uplifting reminder they can see each day.
Materials:
- Kraft paper or sturdy drawing paper
- Pencil
- Markers or crayons
- Ribbon or twine
- Hole punch
How to Make It:
- Place your child’s foot on the paper and trace a simple outline.
- Cut out the footprint shape.
- Invite your child to decorate it with encouraging words or small symbols.
- Repeat until you have several footprints.
- Punch a small hole at the top of each piece and string them together on ribbon or twine.
How to Use It:
Hang the banner in a calm, visible spot. Use the footprints to start simple conversations about daily choices – kindness, helpfulness, and steady faith. This creates a grounded, encouraging reminder that following Jesus happens one thoughtful step at a time.
If you’re gathering more faith-filled activities for your lesson plans or family time, you may also enjoy exploring joyful Christmas Christian crafts for kids, which bring Scripture to life in a festive, hands-on way.
Craft 5: Disciples Rowboat Display
This craft creates a simple, meaningful picture of the disciples as fishermen. Using a small paper bowl and popsicle sticks, children can build a boat filled with all twelve disciples.
Materials:
- Paper bowl (or small paper plate)
- Scissors
- Markers
- Popsicle sticks
- Glue
How to Make It:
- Cut the paper bowl so it forms a shallow boat shape.
- Glue twelve popsicle sticks inside the bowl, keeping them upright.
- Draw simple faces and robes on each stick to represent the disciples.
- Add the words “Fishers of Men” along the side of the boat.
How to Use It:
Let your child name each disciple as they place the sticks in the boat. This visual helps kids remember how Jesus called ordinary fishermen and teaches the idea of following Him with purpose and readiness.
Looking for more hands-on Bible fun? Bring the disciples’ stories to life with our faith-filled Sunday school craft for boys. It’s an easy, creative way for kids to explore Peter, John, and the rest while having fun!
Simple Ways to Teach While Crafting
Craft time naturally creates space for warm conversation. As your child focuses on shapes, colors, and small details, their mind stays open and curious.
This makes it an ideal moment to share short stories about the disciples and highlight qualities that encourage steady growth.
You can guide the discussion with gentle prompts:
- “What do you notice about this disciple’s story?”
- “Which disciple seems interesting to you today?”
- “What quality would you like to practice this week?”
Invite your child to ask their own questions, too. Their observations often lead to thoughtful moments and meaningful insights.
Keep the rhythm calm and encouraging, and allow the process to unfold at a comfortable pace.
This approach helps the lessons feel clear, relatable, and rooted in daily life.
And if you’d like even more hands-on ideas to pair with these conversations, you might enjoy exploring engaging Sunday school crafts for kids, which offer simple ways to reinforce Bible truths through creativity.
Bring These Lessons to Life at Home
These crafts build confidence and understanding, helping your child connect with the disciples’ stories in a warm, approachable way.
As you continue exploring these ideas, feel free to return to the crafts whenever your child shows fresh interest or reaches a new stage of understanding.
Repetition strengthens learning, and every new conversation adds depth to their growing faith.
Share your favorite craft or a story from your family’s experience in the comments below!
Get the FREE Fruit of the Spirit Playdough Mats + Coloring Pages
Make your Fruit of the Spirit lesson hands-on with this FREE printable set that includes a playdough mat and a bonus coloring page—two activities in one.
Kids can build and color their way through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control from Galatians 5:22–23. For easy re-use, laminate the mat (or slide it into a page protector) and pull it out anytime for Bible time, Sunday School, or quiet time at home.
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FAQs
How old should my child be to try these crafts?
Most projects suit ages 4 and up. Younger children may need extra hands-on help, while older kids can add more details and creative touches.
What if I don’t have all the materials on hand?
No problem! Each craft is flexible. Substitute with scrap paper, cardboard, dried beans, fabric scraps, or markers you already have.
How long does each craft usually take?
Most activities take 15–30 minutes. You can do them in one sitting, break them into short sessions, or revisit unfinished pieces later.
Can I use these crafts for a small group or Sunday school class?
Yes. Projects scale well for groups. Prepare materials in sets and use simple prompts to guide conversation and engagement.
How can I store the finished crafts for future lessons?
Use labeled shoeboxes or zipper pouches. Story stones, popsicle figures, and memory wheels store especially well and can be reused anytime.
How do I teach kids about Bible stories with these crafts?
Each craft brings the story to life through hands-on activities. Use questions, storytelling, and prompts to connect the creative process to the lesson.
