Activity One December 2008

Nativity Scene

Put together a life-size nativity scene for a wall in a hallway or large meeting space.

Assign each child a character out of the nativity story. If you have a large group, assign several shepherds and angels. Have the children take turns tracing each other’s body for their character from the story on large paper.

After the body is cut out, allow a lot of time to dress the character to fit the role. Use paper scraps, crayon, wrapping paper, etc. for clothes. To make halos staple tree garland or wire stars shaped in a circle to the top of the heads. Use yarn for hair and sequins to decorate crowns. The sky is the limit on how far you go.

Use crepe paper to outline a stable and paper cut outs to make the manger bed for baby Jesus. To make Jesus, trace a toddler or a baby doll one of the children owns.

Tape the figures inside and around the stable. Add stars to the sky as well as trees and hills. If you have extra time have the children make sheep and cows, etc. Be sure the children put their names on their figures so that they can take them home later in the season.