Jonah Is Angry (Inclusive Bible Lesson for Kids)

Teach children that while Jonah was thankful for God’s mercy toward himself, he struggled when God showed the same kindness to others. Through a leafy plant, a tiny worm, and a hot wind, God gently taught Jonah (and us) that people matter more than things, and that God forgives all who turn back to Him.

Ideal for mixed-ability groups, churches, and home settings, this lesson includes printable story images, worksheets, hands-on activities, and a multisensory prayer with simple hand motions.

Inside the Lesson

Engaging Lesson Guide

Children journey through Jonah’s emotional moment outside Nineveh, experiencing shade, heat, wind, and more through sensory-rich activities. The lesson begins with a warm welcome, a visual schedule, and a simple prayer to help all children settle and feel safe.

Interactive Storytelling: Jonah’s Angry Heart

Using props such as a Jonah figure, plant, sun, and worm, leaders guide children step-by-step through Jonah 4. Kids act out Jonah’s emotions, make “shelters,” feel “wind,” and watch the plant appear and disappear—all while learning that God’s compassion extends to everyone.
Activities include:

• Showing an “angry face” like Jonah
• Creating a pretend shelter
• Feeling the difference between “sun” and “shade”
• Acting out Jonah’s grumpy reaction to the hot wind

Adaptable Activity Stations

Designed with SEND accessibility in mind, these stations allow children to explore the story at their own pace. Options include:

• Worm Trail Game – follow wiggly paths on the floor
• Sun & Shade Movement Game – run to the correct zone
• What Matters Most Sorting – comparing people vs. objects
• Build Jonah’s Shelter – construct a mini shade hut
• Planting Seeds – hands-on learning about God giving growth
• Same & Different People Cards – celebrating diversity
• Action Game: Wiggle, Grow, and Sit – whole-body learning

Creative Craft: Wiggly Worm Puppet

A simple, tactile craft where children fold and decorate an accordion-style worm to reenact the moment God sent a worm to Jonah’s plant. Great for fine-motor development and imaginative play.

Worksheets, Story Images & Coloring Pages

The lesson includes a printable pack of:

• Story illustrations
• Counting, matching, and tracing worksheets
• Multi-page coloring sheets featuring Jonah, the plant, and the worm

Complementary Resources from Trueway Kids

This inclusive lesson is designed to complement the full Jonah resources available at Trueway Kids. These additional materials include crafts, worksheets, games, and story visuals to support a rich, multisensory learning experience.

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